Propagating dahlias

The division of root parts is made in Spring before planting. It allows easy reproduction of your plants but also ensures good vegetation and better flowering.

When divided, dahlia roots must each have one live bud or eye. These buds are located in the crown area and the division must be made at this location as it's where the future eyes appear.

Cuttings allow the improvement in quality and quantity of your production. At the start of February and into March, take a leaf cutting to propagate dahlias. When the groups of cells that form the tip of any growth shoot on a plant are visible, a leaf cutting can be made. Remove the leaf stalk with a sharp knife.
Be sure to remove the stem close to the leaf base. Cut across many of the larger veins on the leaf's underside with a sharp knife. Be careful not to cut all the way through the leaf. Brush a little rooting hormone on the cut veins to encourage new roots to form. At the start of February and into March put the cuttings into pots containing a mixture of soil and peat and leave in a warm place, around 18° during the day and 13° at night.

Seeding is carried out during February and March, the seeds are sown in trays containing a mix of soil and sandy loam, covered with the same mix and watered. Placing a pane of glass over the trays will keep the surface moist and enable the seeds to germinate undisturbed. Place the container in a warm location (not in direct sunlight) and allow seeds to germinate, remove the glass when the shoots are visible.

Hybridization promotes the pollination of flowers. It's how the professionals obtain their new varieties. The pollen must be taken from one flower and placed on the stigmates of another. The flowers must be covered after pollination with a light fabric to prevent other pollen from getting on the stigmas. If crossing has been successful the stigmas on the seed parent will begin to die back soon after being pollinated, and seed pods will form which can be sown the following Spring.

When a new variety is well established (5 to 8 years) it can be reproduced by cuttings. If the new variety has a remarkable shape and colours, you can try by competition to obtain a certification, this will name the new variety and lead to it's being commercially available.