Seed Option 2: Mission Gypsy Seed Parent

Each packet will contain 10 seeds. Seeds are collected and processed right here on the farm by me.  The plants are open-pollinated.  Mission Gypsy was bred by Ferncliff Gardens and is a prolific bloomer! It has great stem length and a well-positioned flower head. 

Each seed will produce a one-of-a-kind flower with hopefully a strong nod to the known seed parent's great qualities!  Mission Gypsy is a great fall color, orange with undertones of purple.

Science Lesson Time!

Dahlias have what is called octoploid genetics" which means that a plant has eight sets of chromosomes, rather than the usual two sets (diploid) found in most organisms, including humans. This is common in certain plants, including dahlias, which are naturally octoploid. Having eight sets of chromosomes gives dahlias a much larger genetic "palette" to work with, making them highly variable and capable of producing a wide range of traits.

This genetic complexity is a big reason why dahlias grown from seed are so diverse—each seed has the potential to mix and match a vast array of genetic traits, leading to unique flower shapes, colors, and sizes. In practical terms, octoploid genetics make dahlias especially exciting for gardeners and breeders who love the variety and unpredictability they offer!