From Seed to Garden: The Journey of Our Flaming Originals

May 30th, 2026

Some of the most exciting flowers growing at Flaming Acres this year aren't varieties we purchased—they're varieties that began as tiny seeds and have become something entirely their own.

This week, I transplanted our greenhouse-grown Flaming Originals into the garden, and as I worked among the plants, I found myself reflecting on the remarkable journey these dahlias have already taken.

It all began during our first year of growing dahlias in 2024. That fall, we collected seeds from our dahlia plants, curious to see what surprises nature might have hidden inside each tiny seed. Unlike growing from tubers, planting dahlia seeds is a bit like opening a mystery package. No two seedlings are exactly alike, and every bloom has the potential to become something entirely new.

In the spring of 2025, those seeds were planted in pots and nurtured in an unlikely place—our living room. Near a sunny window, the tiny seedlings began reaching for the light. One by one they emerged, growing stronger each week until they were ready for life outdoors.

That first season was filled with anticipation and discovery. As the plants matured and eventually bloomed, we were delighted to find an assortment of unique flowers unlike any we had grown before. Some displayed unusual colors, others distinctive forms, and all carried the possibility of becoming future Flaming Acres favorites.

When autumn arrived, we carefully harvested the tuber clumps from those seed-grown plants and tucked them safely away for the winter. There is always a bit of faith involved in storing dahlias through the cold months, trusting that the life hidden beneath the surface will awaken again when spring returns.

This spring, those same tuber clumps were planted into large pots and tubs inside the greenhouse. The plants emerged vigorously and quickly developed into strong, healthy specimens. Over the past few months, we've watched them grow taller, fuller, and stronger as they prepared for their next move.

This week was moving week.

One by one, the Flaming Originals were transplanted from the greenhouse into the garden, where they'll have room to stretch, bloom, and show us what they're truly capable of becoming.

Of course, gardening never comes without challenges.

Recent windstorms have snapped a few tender shoots. A particularly determined rabbit has sampled more than a few leaves. There have been moments when I've wondered if some of the plants might struggle with the transition.

But plants have a way of reminding us about resilience.

Despite the wind, despite the nibbling rabbit, and despite the stress of transplanting, every one of these Flaming Originals appears to be pushing forward. Fresh growth is emerging. New leaves are unfurling. The plants are settling into their new home and showing every sign that they intend to thrive.

There is something deeply satisfying about seeing these dahlias reach this stage. What began as a handful of seeds has become a collection of strong plants with personalities all their own. They represent patience, curiosity, and the joy of discovering something completely unexpected.

And perhaps the most exciting part of all?

Our plan is to share these special Flaming Originals with others.

As we continue evaluating these seed-grown treasures over the next season, we hope to offer many of them as special giveaway tubers to our faithful customers when shipping resumes in 2027. It feels fitting that flowers born from experimentation, hope, and a little bit of adventure will eventually find their way into gardens across the country.

For now, they are settling into their garden beds, soaking up the sunshine, weathering the winds, and preparing for another season of growth.

We'll be watching closely.

After all, you never know when a tiny seed might become something truly extraordinary.

Sincerely,

Debra Flaming

Flaming Acres Dahlias