Grow dahlias from seed

Gardeners usually grow dahlias from tubers for fast flowers, but growing from seed gives equally fast results.

Sow now and you’ll have small dahlia plants ready to plant out by late May.

Fill a seed tray with seed compost. Level and compress the surface and sprinkle over the seeds evenly and thinly, then apply over a thin layer of compost and water from below. Seeds need warmth so place the tray in a heated propagator or on a bright windowsill in a warm part of your house.