Dahlias grown from packets of seed are best treated as annuals. They are available on spinners in many shops, garden centres and from seed suppliers. (I have noticed that good nurseries seldom bother stocking seeds!)
Tips for Seed grown Dahlia
- Sown in March or April in an indoor seed tray Dahlias will flower in late summer and through autumn until the frost turns the leaves black.
- Mixed packets will generally be single flowered like a big very colourful Daisy.
- Special variety packets can aim to provide Cactus (petals arranged in a spiky style), Collarette (petals arranged in a circle with stamen like the iris of the eye) and semi double styles.
- The seed is large and the results can be stunning so Dahlia is a good plant for children to plant.
- Some varieties have red or marron leaves for added attraction.
- If the soil is acid a dressing with lime would help the plants when planted aout
- Water and feed during summer for an excellent autumn display
- You will often see these plants in Parks and public gardens as they are easy to maintaing.
- If you spot a good variety you can try save any tuber that has grown by keeping it frost free during winter.
See a mosaic of Pink Dahlias with top ten pointers
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