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Dahlia Bulbs & Seeds
Bring bold color to your garden with our collection of dahlia bulbs and seeds. From bold Black Dahlia to soft Peaches and Cream, these flowers are easy to grow and last from mid-summer to late fall. Shop our varieties now and watch your garden come to life.
Do Dahlias Grow From Bulbs or Seeds?
You can grow dahlias from bulbs, also known as tubers, and seeds. Dahlia bulbs are more popular because they produce bigger, more consistent blooms in less time. They're especially great if you're planting a specific variety like Black Dahlia or Peaches and Cream.
Dahlia seeds, on the other hand, are perfect for gardeners who want a budget-friendly way to grow lots of flowers or experiment with new, often unique, color combinations.
While seed-grown dahlias may take longer to bloom and won’t always match the parent plant, they can still produce beautiful flowers and even develop tubers for replanting next year.
Is It Better to Grow Dahlia From Bulbs or Seeds?
It depends on your goals and gardening style. Bulbs (tubers) give you faster results, more predictable blooms, and are the best option for growing specific, named varieties like the Park Princess. They can give you fuller plants and earlier flowers in the season.
Seeds, on the other hand, are more affordable and open the door to surprises. Each plant grown from seed might look a little different, making them perfect for gardeners who enjoy experimenting.
You can bulk plant dahlia seeds or fill in gaps in garden beds. While they take longer to flower, seed-grown dahlias often form their own tubers, which you can dig up and replant next year.
Not sure which is best? Try both! This way, you can enjoy early blooms from bulbs and discover new surprises from seeds.
How Long Does It Take To Grow Dahlia From Seeds?
Dahlias grown from seed take about 90 to 120 days to flower. You’ll need to start them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. You can create the best moisture levels and light exposure for your seeds with our Bio Domes.
When you're ready to move them outdoors, dahlias need warm weather and full sun to thrive.
Looking for a faster option? Check out our dahlia bulbs for earlier blooms.
Do Dahlias Grown From Seed Come Back Next Year?
Dahlias are tender perennials, which means they won’t survive freezing temps. If you live in a warm climate (zones 8–11), they may come back on their own.
In cooler zones, you’ll need to dig up the tubers in the fall and store them indoors.
Quick Tip: Even seed-grown dahlias will form tubers by the end of the season, so you can save and replant them next year!
Do Dahlias Grow Better in Pots or the Ground?
Dahlias do well in containers and garden beds. If you're short on space or want more control over watering and soil, using a garden bed is a great idea.
Just make sure your container is deep and has good drainage.
For larger varieties like the Le Baron Dahlia, planting in the ground gives them room to grow and show off.
Do Deer Eat Dahlias?
Yes, unfortunately, deer do like to munch on dahlias. If deer are common in your area, consider planting your dahlias near the house or using a repellant option like mesh protectors or sprays.
Want some alternative options? Browse deer-resistant flowers like Phlox or Yarrow.
Where is the Best Place to Plant Dahlia Flowers?
Dahlias love the sun, so choose a spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of sunlight each day. They thrive in well-draining soil and benefit from consistent watering and a good-quality flower fertilizer during the growing season. Raised beds or amended soil with compost can also help give them a strong start.
Here are a few planting tips to help your dahlias flourish:
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Sunlight: Choose a full-sun location—morning sun is ideal if you live in a hot climate.
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Soil: Use loose, rich, well-draining soil. Add compost or organic matter if your soil is heavy or sandy.
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Spacing: Space tubers or seedlings 12–18 inches apart to allow airflow and prevent mildew.
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Watering: Water deeply 2–3 times per week once established. Avoid overwatering before sprouts appear.
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Support: Tall varieties benefit from staking to support their stems and blooms.
Plant your dahlias after your last frost date when the soil has warmed to about 60°F. With the right care, you’ll enjoy their bold blooms from summer through the fall.
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