Dahlia 'Bloody Mary'

60 Seeds

Seeding Dahlia 'Bloody Mary'—a dwarf or bedding variety with vivid red or bicolor flowers—is similar to other seed-grown dahlias and ideal for containers, borders, or smaller garden spaces. Dahlias from seed are generally annuals, but with care, some may form small tubers that can be saved over winter.

Here’s your full seed-starting guide:

🌺 Dahlia 'Bloody Mary' – Seeding Guide

📅 When to Sow

Indoors (Recommended):

• 8–10 weeks before the last frost

  • Example: If your last frost is around April 30, sow seeds mid-February to early March.

Outdoors:

• After the last frost, when soil is warm (60°F / 16°C+)

• Indoor sowing gives earlier and more reliable blooms.

🌱 How to Sow

Soil & Containers

• Use a light, well-draining seed-starting mix

• Sow in seed trays or small pots with drainage

Sowing Instructions

• Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm) deep

• Cover lightly with soil and mist to moisten

Light Requirements

• Keep in bright light: sunny window or under grow lights

• 12–14 hours of light daily for strong seedlings

🌡️ Germination Conditions

• Temperature: 70–75°F (21–24°C)

• Germination Time: 7–14 days

🌿 After Germination

• Transplant seedlings to individual pots when they have 2–3 true leaves

• Begin light feeding every 2–3 weeks with diluted liquid fertilizer

• Harden off 7–10 days before transplanting outdoors

🌞 Transplanting Outdoors

• After all frost danger has passed

• Spacing: 8–12 inches apart

• Sun: Full sun (6+ hours daily)

• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0)

🌸 Blooming & Care

• Bloom Time: 90–100 days from sowing

• Deadhead to encourage more flowers

• May produce small tubers – lift and store if you want to overwinter (though not always viable from seed-grown dwarf types)

🌿 Bonus Tips

• Pinch back seedlings when 6–8 inches tall to encourage bushier plants

• Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy

• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds