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Direct sowing of dahlia and other seeds
A very good morning on this very wet Bank Holiday Monday. I know which seeds have been successful for me when I've sown them at this time of year, such as various types of marigold, night-scented stock and some others.
However, I have a packet of dahlia seeds, amongst others, that I picked up last year in a Wilko sale. I've only grown dahlias from tubers and would like to know other people's experience in growing these from seed and when is the optimum time for sowing direct into their growing position.
The packet suggests this can be done until May. Has anyone ever planted these seeds so late in the Spring?
Also, any other suggestions and experience of sowing seeds direct at this time of the year would be most welcome.
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Dahlias might not flower this year, but will produce good tubers for next year.
I sow Zinnias in May and Morning glories, although I sowed both in early May.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
No reason not to try the dahlias providing you can control the molluscs. Otherwise, as soon as they show their little heads above the parapet they will be doomed!
They do form surprisingly large tubers in their first year.
I wouldn't try direct sowing of dahlias, start them off in pots and plant out when they are bigger, think it's a bit late now, they will keep for next March. Just my opinion, that's what I'd do but it's up to you.
I sowed Bishops Children and a dwarf bedding dahlia in March and planted them out about a week ago. Flower buds are about to open.
As Lyn says above I think it's a bit late to sow now and I wouldn't sow dahlias direct into the ground.
Keep the seed for next spring and sow indoors in pots or trays
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Thanks everyone for the advice. I'll keep the seeds for next year and sow them indoors for transplanting at the appropriate time.
I often sow seeds quite late in my front garden because there are so many daffodils that flower well into Spring, some into May, and I have to give the leaves some time to gather up the energy they need, so there's no room for anything in the borders.
I cut back most of them last week and this year I don't have to sow as many seeds as I usually would because Lyn and Karena very kindly sent me lots of young plants to fill the spaces.