Dahlia dwarf 'Starlight'

30 Seeds

Seeding Dahlia Dwarf 'Starlight' (or similar compact dahlia cultivars) is a great way to enjoy bright, daisy-like blooms in borders, containers, or small gardens. Dahlias are typically grown from tubers, but dwarf varieties like 'Starlight' can be grown easily from seed, especially when started early indoors.

Here’s your full guide:

🌸 When to Sow

Indoors (Best method):

• Start 8–10 weeks before last frost (late winter to early spring)

Outdoors (Optional):

• Sow after last frost, but indoor sowing gives earlier blooms

🌱 How to Sow

Soil & Containers

• Use sterile seed-starting mix

• Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage

Sowing Instructions

• Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm) deep

• Cover lightly with soil

• Water gently but thoroughly

Light

• Place in bright light (south-facing window or 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

• Thin or transplant seedlings when they have 2–3 true leaves

• Fertilize lightly with diluted liquid feed every 2–3 weeks

• Harden off before planting outside

🌞 Transplanting Outdoors

• After danger of frost has passed

• Spacing: 8–12 inches apart

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

• Sun: Full sun (6+ hours daily)

🌼 Blooming

• First flowers in 90–100 days from sowing

• Blooms summer to frost

• Dwarf types are great for containers, borders, and edging

🐝 Tips

• Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms

• Water at the base (avoid wetting leaves)

• May form small tubers, which you can lift and overwinter (not always reliable in seed-grown dwarfs, but possible)