Creating new dahlia varieties by breeding involves both cross-pollination and cloning.
Cross pollination is a way to create genetic variation, resulting in unpredictable but potentially new traits. Cross pollination can be done by hand-pollinating a selected bloom or open pollination by bees. It requires careful selection of desired traits and a multi-step process to ensure successful seed development. Cloning via tuber division or cuttings produces offspring identical to the parent plant.