How to Grow Dahlias from Seed
🌸 How to Grow Dahlias from Seed (Not Tubers!)
A Budget-Friendly Guide for Beginner & Cut Flower Gardeners
Thinking about starting a dahlia garden without breaking the bank? You’re in the right place. While most gardeners buy dahlia tubers each year, there’s a lesser-known, budget-friendly method that I personally used in 2025: growing dahlias from seed.
Spoiler alert: I started over 30 dahlias from seed, and they’re thriving — giving me a gorgeous summer/fall harvest and saving me hundreds of dollars.
In this post, I’ll break down:
- ✅ How to grow dahlias from seed step-by-step
- 💰 A cost comparison: seeds vs. tubers
- 🌿 My real-world results growing dahlias from seed in 2025
- 🔑 High-ranking gardening keywords to help fellow bloggers + creators
🌱 Why Grow Dahlias from Seed?
While tubers are great for getting specific varieties, seeds offer a cost-effective, fun, and surprising alternative — especially if you’re growing for beauty, pollinators, or experimentation.
✨ Benefits of Seed-Grown Dahlias:
- 💸 More flowers for less money
- 🌸 Vigorous plants that often bloom earlier
- 🌈 Unique surprises — no two blooms are the same
- 🌱 Satisfying process from sprout to flower
💰 Cost Comparison: Dahlia Seeds vs. Tubers
| Option | Cost Per Plant | Plants for $30 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dahlia Tubers | $5–$10 | 3–6 plants | Known varieties, larger blooms |
| Dahlia Seeds | $3–$5/packet | 20–30+ plants | Mixed types, more variety, budget-friendly |
Savings Tip: For the price of 5 tubers, you can grow over 30 dahlias from seed — that’s up to 6x more flowers for the same cost!
🛠 How to Grow Dahlias from Seed: Step-by-Step
1️⃣ Choose Quality Dahlia Seeds
Look for reputable sources and open-pollinated mixes like:
- Bee’s Choice Mix
- Unwins Bedding Dahlias
- Floret’s Dahlia Seeds (limited availability)
➡️ These produce a variety of shapes, sizes, and vibrant colors.
2️⃣ Start Seeds Indoors
📅 When: 8–10 weeks before your last frost (usually late February–March)
🌡️ Where: Use seed trays, heat mats, and grow lights indoors
🪴 How: Sow in light seed-starting mix. Keep moist and warm (70–75°F)
⏱️ Germination: 5–10 days
3️⃣ Pot Up & Grow Strong
After seedlings develop 2–3 sets of true leaves:
- Transplant into 3–4″ pots
- Use a gentle fertilizer (10-10-10 or diluted organic feed)
- Keep under grow lights until ready to harden off
4️⃣ Harden Off & Transplant
🌞 Gradually introduce plants to the outdoors over 7–10 days
🌿 Plant in full sun, 12–18″ apart, in rich, well-drained soil
🪴 Stake taller plants early to prevent wind damage
5️⃣ Water, Feed & Deadhead
💧 Water deeply 1–2x/week
🍂 Remove spent blooms to encourage new ones
🌼 Enjoy continuous color from mid-summer through fall!
🌼 My 2025 Dahlia Seed Garden
In 2025, I grew 30+ dahlias from seed here at Little Green Farmhouse. Every plant was a surprise—singles, doubles, bees buzzing happily through the rows—and the blooms have been a total joy.
🌟 Many of these seed-grown plants are already forming tubers, which means I’ll be able to dig and store them this fall for future seasons. Talk about compound savings!
🌸 Is Growing Dahlias from Seed Right for You?
If you’re…
- New to gardening
- Starting a cut flower garden
- A budget-conscious grower
- A fan of surprises and variety
- Teaching kids about plant cycles
…then YES, seed-grown dahlias are a fantastic choice.
