Dwarf Dahlia double 'Opera'

60 Seeds

Seeding Dwarf Dahlia Double 'Opera' is a great choice for gardeners who want compact, bushy plants with fully double blooms in a mix of bright colors. These dahlias typically stay around 12–18 inches tall, making them ideal for containers, edging, or small garden beds.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you grow them successfully from seed:

🌺 Dwarf Dahlia Double 'Opera' – Seeding Guide

📅 When to Sow

Indoors (recommended):

• Start seeds 8–10 weeks before your last expected frost

  • Example: If your last frost is May 1, sow seeds indoors by late February to early March

Outdoors (optional):

• After the last frost, when soil is at least 60°F (16°C)
  (Not recommended in cooler climates due to shorter growing season)

🌱 How to Sow

Seed Prep

• No soaking or stratification needed

Sowing Depth

• ¼ inch (6 mm) deep

• Cover lightly with fine soil or vermiculite

Containers

• Use seed trays or cell packs with well-draining, sterile seed-starting mix

Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist (not soggy) until germination

🌡️ Germination

• Temperature: 70–75°F (21–24°C)

• Time: 7–14 days

🌿 After Germination

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

• Start light feeding every 2–3 weeks with a diluted balanced fertilizer

• Pinch tips when plants are 4–6 inches tall to encourage bushiness

• Harden off before moving outdoors

🌞 Transplanting Outdoors

• After all danger of frost has passed

• Sun: Full sun (6+ hours daily)

• Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with compost or organic matter

• Spacing: 8–12 inches apart

🌼 Blooming

• Blooms in 10–12 weeks from sowing

• Flowers from mid-summer to frost

• Produces dense, double flowers in a range of bright colors (red, yellow, pink, white, orange)

🪴 Care Tips

• Deadhead regularly to prolong bloom time

• Water at the base, keeping foliage dry to prevent mildew

• May produce small tubers — you can dig and store them after frost for replanting next year, though success with seed-grown varieties varies

🐝 Pollinator Info

• Attractive to bees and butterflies

• Excellent in pollinator-friendly gardens