Starting Dahlias from Seed - Part 2

Last week I discussed getting dahlia seeds to germinate. Here I’ll continue the process - after they germinate.

The trick to germinating dahlia seeds is using the wet paper towel method. I put my seeds on the wet paper towel but also made them visible through the top - WAY easier to see which has germinated instead of opening each baggie up. You’ll see the seed split and a white root poking out and sometimes in a few hours leaves will also appear!

Carefully remove the germinated seed with it’s roots facing downward shallowly into a cell, cover lightly with soil. I use the deep 48 trays (or tall single pots), this way the plant can grow in place, and I don’t have to transplant later. As my medium I use Fox Hollow Farm Happy Frog potting soil mixed with earthworm castings. I give them a drink as soon as I transplant.          

I keep them under grow lights with a clear lid until a couple of true leaves appear, then I can move out to the greenhouse to continue growing until ready to go out in the field.