Show Notes
What do you get when you cross patience, petals, and a little bit of chaos? Dahlia breeding. In this episode, I’m sharing the real process behind breeding your own dahlia varieties — from hand-pollination tips to spotting the traits worth keeping. Whether you’re dreaming of your own exclusive varieties or just curious about how new dahlias are born, this is a peek behind the curtain of one of the most exciting (and unpredictable) parts of flower farming. You’ll learn: Why dahlia breeding is part science, part gamble — and why that’s the fun of it How to hand-pollinate dahlias for more control over your crosses The dominant vs recessive traits that shape form, colour, stem length, and vase life Why keeping records, tagging plants, and growing over multiple years is essential What beginners should focus on first (hint: start small and enjoy the surprises) I’ll also share how I grow out my own seedlings, what I look for in keepers, and the traits that often don’t make the cut. And if you’re already dreaming of filling your garden with dahlias — including some from my own breeding patch — you’ll want to be on my launch list for November. Links & Resources Breeding Dahlias Blog Dahlia propagation Blog Register for our weekly newsletter where you'll get information all out our new season Dahlias for 2026. Dahlia tuber pre-sale opens 1st November 2025 (dispatch early 2026) & Dahlia breeding seeds release 1st January 2026 — the perfect New Year’s Day start Let’s Connect If you loved this episode, leave a review and let me know what you’d like me to cover next. And don’t forget — the best varieties always go fast, so join my list to get first dibs.
More from The Blooming Garden
Today I’m joined by Lance Turner from Tomato Revolution (Wiltshire) — a proper tomato obsessive — and we break down what actually matters if you want strong plants and loads of fruit (not just a leafy jungle). In this episode we cover the 8-week sowing rule, how to avoid leggy seedlings, why you should remove heat after germination, how to pot on deeper for stronger roots, what causes trusses not to set, and the feeding mistake that creates lots of leaves and hardly any tomatoes. We also talk blight — what helps, what doesn’t, and why ventilation is everything. In this episode, you’ll learn: When to sow tomatoes (the simple 8-week rule) Heat + light basics for sturdy seedlings Potting on deeper to build roots (and get more trusses) Why flowers drop / trusses don’t set (and the quick fix) Feeding: avoiding too much nitrogen so you get fruit If you enjoyed this episode, share it and tag me — and come join my Grow-Alongs and growing guides for more UK-specific, no-fluff help.
Wholesale, Markets & Weddings All Mean Different Flowers
This isn’t about algorithms, dancing on Reels, or becoming someone you’re not. It is about understanding what running a flower business actually involves. Here’s what we unpack: 🌱 Growing flowers ≠ selling flowers Most beginners are better growers than they think. The problem isn’t the flowers — it’s that no one knows they exist. Posting occasionally, quietly launching a website, or mentioning it to a neighbour isn’t a marketing strategy. That’s hope. And hope isn’t a business model. 🌱 Why the growers who sell out aren’t “better” growers They’re better communicators. The growers you see selling out every week talk — consistently — about: what they’re growing why they’re growing it when it’ll be ready and who it’s for Often weeks or months before they expect anyone to buy. 🌱 Why marketing is part of the job (even if you hate it) If you want a sustainable flower business, you’ll likely spend more time marketing than growing. That doesn’t mean shouting, being cringe, or chasing trends.
In this episode of The Blooming Garden Podcast, I’m breaking down how to start tomatoes properly for an early crop — and why most failures happen before the plants ever reach the garden. If you’ve ever sown tomatoes in January, watched them stall, sulk, or turn into sad little sticks… this episode explains exactly why — and how to avoid it. Spoiler alert: It’s not about fancy kit. It’s about timing, temperature, and understanding what tomato seedlings actually need. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why starting tomatoes too early is one of the most common mistakes The real role of heat and light (and why grow lights alone aren’t enough) When January sowing does make sense — and when it absolutely doesn’t How cold conditions lead to nutrient uptake issues and stalled growth Why tomatoes don’t need a greenhouse in the early stages — but do need the right setup How to give seedlings the conditions they need to grow strong from day one This episode focuses on early success, not firefighting problems later. 🍅 Who This Episode Is For UK growers starting tomatoes indoors Gardeners confused by mixed advice on seed packets Growers who want strong plants, not leggy regrets Whether you’re sowing your first tray or refining your timing, this episode will help you grow better tomatoes with less stress.
In this episode, I’m diving into how to grow poppies properly — from sowing method to variety choice — and explaining why poppies are one of the easiest flowers to grow when you stop fighting their nature. If you’ve ever had poppies stall, sulk, or fail after transplanting, this episode explains exactly why. Most poppies hate root disturbance, thrive in cool conditions, and grow best when direct sown outdoors — no greenhouse required. I also break down the different types of poppies, which ones are best for the garden, which work for cut flowers, and which are grown mainly for their decorative seed pods. In this episode, you’ll learn: When to sow poppies for the best results in the UK Why poppies are ideal for autumn, winter, and early spring sowing The four main types of poppies, and how to grow each one: Which poppies are best for Garden displays, Cut flowers and Decorative seed pods for arrangements Why most poppies should never be sown in trays The one exception where trays make sense (Icelandic poppies) How to sow poppies by broadcast sowing or in rows for flower farming Ideal temperatures for poppy germination and early growth Why poppies struggle in warm conditions and on heated propagators How flower farmers use poppy seed pods as a long-lasting, high-value crop