Dahlia ‘Shooting Stars’

Dahlia species

Features

  • Floret original
  • Cut-and-come-again
  • Easy to grow
  • Pollinator-friendly

Description

This mix collected from our collarette field features an incredible range of star-shaped flowers, including singles, collarettes, orchettes, orchids, and other fun surprises—no two plants will be the same! You’ll find flowers with snipped edges, rolled petals, stripes, streaks, and speckles in every color of the rainbow. 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 72 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 collarette field features an incredible range of star-shaped flowers, including singles, collarettes, orchettes, orchids, and other fun surprises—no two plants will be the same! You’ll find flowers with snipped edges, rolled petals, stripes, streaks, and speckles in every color of the rainbow. 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 72 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

Winter Mini Course: Seed-Starting 101

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.