Dahlia ‘Bee’s Choice’
Dahlia species
Description
This mix was collected from all of our different dahlia breeding patches on the farm and includes a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors—no two plants will be the same! Most of the flowers will have open centers, which will attract lots of pollinators to your garden. 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
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 was collected from all of our different dahlia breeding patches on the farm and includes a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors—no two plants will be the same! Most of the flowers will have open centers, which will attract lots of pollinators to your garden. 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
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
Sources
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.
