err,,, what's the difference between these fancy dahlias and

err,,, what's the difference between these fancy dahlias and the kind they sell seed for as annuals? do those type make tubers too?

xxx, Carrie

Cost,size,variety & time.

Carrie,
Yes they do make tubers and look very nice. They will flower the first year from seed - although a bit later. The varieties are more limited, but they are a great way to start. If you are new to them it also a cheaper way to practice your care and storage of them before you spend $5 a tuber for them.
Al


Here are some started from seed

Thank you. So they won't have pedigrees but they will have petals! LLOL, lol.

xxxxxxxxx. Carrie

That's right, although you could make the case that Bishop of LLandaff has very blue blood. Some of these seeded ones in their second year were bushes with 25 flowers or more at once on.
Next year will be my fourth year growing dahlias, but my first with any top 50 rated dahlias - come on spring!

The range of dahlias is great. The 'annual' types are single/semi-double grown from seed, height about 10"... Similar in height is a 'mignon' single..... Next in height are the 'border' varieties at about 2 ft - there aren't (yet) many different cultivars, but there are decoratives and cactus.... The vast majority of dahlia cultivars are over 3 ft tall, averaging 4 ft, and several are in the 5 ft range. These same plants grow even taller if hot sun necessitates shadecloth (mmm not in Nfld.). The form of bloom varies: cactus, decorative, ball, waterlily, anemone (pincushion), laciniated (split tips), single, collerette. Bloom diameter is a factor in classification: AA = 10"+, A = 8-10", B = 6-8", BB = 4-6", M = 2-4", P = pompon (under 2" and golf ball form). Principal pests: slugs/snails & European earwigs; mites in hot areas. Stakes and other devices are used to stabilize plants against wind. All dahlias produce tuberous clumps. Lift in Fall for storage in cool frost free area. Divide once a year to retain vigour, (even in frost free regions), preferably in Fall. Storage temps = less than 50 Fahr.; protect from dryness.