Dahlia ‘Cancan Girls’
Dahlia species
Description
This mix collected from our anemone breeding patch is filled with a dazzling rainbow of tufted blooms in all shapes and sizes, many with the anemone flower form. The rich color range includes reds, maroons, pinks, purples, and many bicolors—no two plants will be the same! If you discover a variety you love, tubers can be saved and planted out the following year.
Details
Planting depth: ¼ in
Germination soil temp: 60°F–70°F
Days to germination: 5 to 12 days
Site: full sun
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: when 12 in tall
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Height: 48 to 60 in
Germination soil temp: 60°F–70°F
Days to germination: 5 to 12 days
Site: full sun
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: when 12 in tall
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Height: 48 to 60 in
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Sow seeds indoors in trays or pots 4 to 8 weeks before your last frost. Dahlias have a tendency to germinate sporadically, so be patient. Wait until the weather is consistently warm before transitioning young plants into the garden. Direct-seeding dahlias is not recommended.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Dahlias don’t unfurl much once they’ve been harvested so it’s important to not pick them too early. Harvest when blooms are three-quarters of the way open, but not overly ripe. Check the back of each flower head, looking for firm and lush petals versus papery or slightly dehydrated ones. Place into water with hydrator or sear stem ends by placing into 160°F to 180°F (just off boiling) water and allow to cool for one hour. Expect a vase life of 5 days.
Details
Description
This mix collected from our anemone breeding patch is filled with a dazzling rainbow of tufted blooms in all shapes and sizes, many with the anemone flower form. The rich color range includes reds, maroons, pinks, purples, and many bicolors—no two plants will be the same! If you discover a variety you love, tubers can be saved and planted out the following year.
Details
Planting depth: ¼ in
Germination soil temp: 60°F–70°F
Days to germination: 5 to 12 days
Site: full sun
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: when 12 in tall
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Height: 48 to 60 in
Germination soil temp: 60°F–70°F
Days to germination: 5 to 12 days
Site: full sun
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: when 12 in tall
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Height: 48 to 60 in
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Sow seeds indoors in trays or pots 4 to 8 weeks before your last frost. Dahlias have a tendency to germinate sporadically, so be patient. Wait until the weather is consistently warm before transitioning young plants into the garden. Direct-seeding dahlias is not recommended.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Dahlias don’t unfurl much once they’ve been harvested so it’s important to not pick them too early. Harvest when blooms are three-quarters of the way open, but not overly ripe. Check the back of each flower head, looking for firm and lush petals versus papery or slightly dehydrated ones. Place into water with hydrator or sear stem ends by placing into 160°F to 180°F (just off boiling) water and allow to cool for one hour. Expect a vase life of 5 days.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
Seed-Saving Mini Course
Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia
In our upcoming free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.
