Dahlia seed

Hi all. I was wondering if I save seed from a specific colored dahlia if the flowers would come out that color next year? Thanks very much!

 

Hi catz

Generally all the Dahlias we grow are complex hybrids. So I doubt that the seeds will come out exactly true. This is why you don't see Dahlia seed for sale except as mixtures. Having said that, you will get some variety but some should turn out very close to the parents. And one might even turn out nicer.

If you want exact copies, you need to propagate vegetatively. You can do this either by splitting the tubers when they are lifted in autumn, but each piece must have at least one tuber and part of the woody crown at the top. The tubers are just storage organs, and Dahlias won't grow from a tuber on its own. The other method is to take cuttings.

 

Catz, PeterS has said it all really. However, you can have a lot of fun sowing the seed and finding out what new colours you get. And if you get a blue one you are made for life.:gnthb::hehe:

 

I have just walked round the garden and noticed that the Dahlias, which I grew from seed for the first time this year, have started to flower. The packet was called 'Bishops Children'. They all have very similar dark foliage, which is attractive in its own right, but the three flowers so far are very different colours, ranging from orange to a dark magenta. As Dai said it could be fun seeing just what you do get.

 

I just wonder if many dahlias are actually sterile, and it will stop the flowering if you dont dead head if they arn't.

 

I don't think so Catsztai'
I think you plant your seeds and take your chance.
Otherwise you buy tubers for what you want - or lift your own tubers for overwintering and replanting for exactly what you want.
I just grow seeds every year and take pot luck.

 

Thanks everyone for the advice. I shall try saving the tubers as well as some seed and see what I get.