The Breeding Patch
While I grow many named dahlia varieties, my passion is actually growing dahlias from seed. I fell into this hobby entirely by accident, and it's safe to say that it has become something that has added so much joy and peace to my life. And, I absolutely LOVE collarette dahlias specifically for their cheery little blooms, the way they draw in bees and butterflies to pollinate the blooms and literally create an entire ecosystem in my yard.
I am in heaven in my garden. Honestly.
If you are new to collarette dahlias, they are an open centre dahlia with a single row of petals surrounding a small central “collar” of petals. When you grow them from seed, every plant can be slightly different due to dahlia unique genetics — even seeds from the same parent can (and do!) produce variations in:
- flower colour
- collar size and shape
- petal arrangement
- overall plant habit
- leaf shape
Every bloom is a little mystery waiting to be unveiled, and each flowering feels like opening a tiny gift from nature.
From Seed to Bloom
Unlike tuber dahlias, which you have to overwinter and plant each spring, seeds grow fast. In just a few months, you can go from a tiny seedling to a flowering plant. Watching those first buds open is incredibly satisfying, especially when the colours are completely new or unexpected.
Living in Zone 8b, I generally starting germinating dahlia seeds in early April, with the intent of having seedlings ready to plant in the garden on Mothers Day weekend.
My favorite germination method is the paper towel method: Place your seeds in a single layer within a couple of layers of moist paper towel. Place the towels/seeds within a ziploc baggie and place under grow lights. Within the span of 3-14 days your seeds should start to sprout. Dahlia seeds germinate at a rate of 70-90% depending on factors including temperature, light, and the seed genetics themselves. For the best chance of success, keep your seeds at a temperature of 20-24 degrees Celsius. The paper towels should remain moist, but not wet (soggy). I keep mine under grow lights for approximately 10 hours per day before I plant them outdoors.
When the seeds are sprouting, I carefully remove them from the towel and plant each seedling/root in a seed tray. Pat the new root gently into your potting soil. Keep the seed tray lid on for 7-10 days, and ensure the soil does not dry out. Your seedlings will take off, and once established will grow as long as they are well cared for.
Before planting outdoors I do take my trays out for a couple of hours a day, in shade, so that they can acclimatize to the weather, and true sun. This gives them a better chance of making a successful transition from indoor seedlings to outdoor plants.
