CLEMSON, S.C. — Did you know dahlias can be grown from seed? Many gardeners are only familiar with growing dahlias from tubers. Still, growing dahlias from seed is how new varieties are first created. Then they are sold commercially as tubers to produce true-to-type varieties for consumers. Home gardeners can do this too! This year in my flower garden, I grew several dahlia forms (different flower shapes or sizes). I grew varieties ranging from open-centered to pompon and anemone flowered blooms and relied on open pollination from the bees to do the breeding work for me. Once the blooms dry up, and the seed heads are mature, I will collect the seeds and wait until spring to plant them and see what new and exciting varieties come up.

This publication from Clemson Extension Land Grant Press, takes a closer look at the dahlia.

–Clemson Extension Land Grant Press