Growing dahlias from seed:

• Offers the unique opportunity to cultivate a diverse range of colors, shapes, and sizes, enhancing the variety available for cut flower arrangements.

• Is cost-effective and can yield an abundant supply of these stunning blooms throughout the growing season.

• Plants are often more resilient and adaptable to local growing conditions, resulting in healthier plants with robust flowering.

• Provides a personal source of dahlias ensures fresh, high-quality flowers that bring vibrant beauty and texture to any floral design.

Direct Sowing:

• Timing: 1-2 weeks after last frost

• Seed Depth: 1/4'

• Germination time: 7-10 days

• Row Spacing: 8-12"

Starting Indoors:

• Timing: 4-6 weeks before last spring frost

• Seed Depth: 1/4'

• Germination time: 7-10 days

• Transplant out: 2 weeks after last frost

Quick Guide

Plant Specifications

Step-by-Step Instructions - Starting Seeds Indoors

Collect Supplies:

• Seeds

• Seed starting trays or pots

• Seed starting mix (sterile)

• Labels and a marker

• Plastic wrap or a humidity dome

• Spray bottle or watering can with a fine nozzle

• Grow lights or a sunny windowsill

  Timing

  • When to Start: Begin the process about 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.

  Preparation

  • Clean Containers: Sterilize your seed starting trays or pots to prevent disease.

  • Moisten Seed Mix: Slightly moisten your seed starting mix so it's damp but not soggy.

  Planting Seeds

  • Fill Trays: Fill each cell in the seed tray with the moist seed starting mix.

  • Sow Seeds: Place 1-2 seeds in each cell. Seeds should be sown about ¼ inch deep.

  • Label Trays: Label each tray or pot with the type of zinnia and the planting date.

  Germination

  • Cover Seeds: Lightly cover the seeds with more seed starting mix. Optionally, add a layer of vermiculite to prevent algae growth on soil surface.

  • Moisten Surface: Use a spray bottle to mist the top of the soil.

  • Create Humidity: Cover the seed trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to maintain moisture.

  • Warmth: Place the trays in a warm location (70-75°F or 21-24°C). A heat mat can help.

  Light and Watering

  • Lighting: Once the seeds germinate (about 5-7 days), remove the cover and place the seedlings under grow lights or in a sunny windowsill. Provide 12-16 hours of light per day.

  • Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water from the bottom if possible to prevent damping-off disease.

  Take care of Seedlings

  • Thinning: Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them to one plant per cell or pot.

  • Fertilizing: Add half strength organic fertilizer every third watering or about once a week.

  • Hardening Off: About a week before transplanting outdoors, start to harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing time periods each day.

  Transplanting Outdoors

  • Timing: Transplant the seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

  • Conditioning Transplants: Over the course of a week, slowly transition tender seedlings outdoors by gradually exposing them to the elements.

  • Soil Preparation: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Amend with compost if needed.

  • Planting: Plant seedlings 12-18 inches apart, depending on the variety.

  • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.