“Cultivating Curiosity” HARDCOVER Book
Original price was: $80.00.$65.00Current price is: $65.00.
Out of stock
"Cultivating Curiosity: Growing Your Own Unique Dahlias from Seed" HARDCOVER VERSION
Delve into the richly rewarding world of dahlia growing and discover the joy of creating something truly unique. In this beautifully written guide, flower farmer and breeder Rebecca McConnell invites you to slow down, observe deeply, and engage with the remarkable diversity of dahlias grown from seed.
With practical wisdom, grounded science, and a generous dose of inspiration, “Cultivating Curiosity” equips gardeners of all levels to embark on their own creative journey, whether dreaming of homegrown floral beauty, breeding unique cultivars to share, or simply seeking a more mindful connection with nature.
Learn how to collect and germinate seed, assess your seedlings, hybridise with intention, and record your discoveries, all while nurturing your own sense of wonder. This is more than a gardening book; it’s a thoughtful companion guide for anyone curious about possibility, beauty, and the delight of growing unique dahlias of their own.
This listing is for:
1 x "Cultivating Curiosity: Growing Your Own Unique Dahlias from Seed" (162p full colour Hardcover, signed by author RRP $88.00)
ISBN: 978-1-7641111-0-2
Published June 2025
Please note at this stage we can only post hardcover books within Australia. However, if you live in another country you can order hardcopy versions through your preferred book seller or paperback copies are available now from Amazon marketplace in your local country.
Vishal R –
I highly recommend this book for both new and experienced dahlia growers. You can clearly tell that Bec has put a lot of effort into this book and its a great reference for anybody who is interested learning about all the considerations that go into hybridisiing dahlias. Not to mention all the amazing pictures – its both a reference and a source of inspiration!
Robyn Rich –
The book looks a treasure.
Emma-Jayne –
Fantastic book to get you started in hybridising, providing creative ways to pollinate your blooms and save your seeds. Stunning photographs and easy to follow along at home.
Brooke Johns –
Bec’s passion and knowledge shine through in everything she shares. She has a wonderful way of making even the more technical aspects of growing dahlias feel achievable and inspiring.
What I love most is that Bec doesn’t just grow beautiful flowers, she encourages others to have a go, learn from their successes and mistakes, and enjoy the process. Her practical advice, attention to detail, and obvious love for dahlias have helped so many gardeners build confidence.
Paige Hooke –
One I couldn’t wait to get my hands on! Bec is one of the Dahlia breeding legends over here and we’re so lucky she decided to share her knowledge and wisdom in such a detailed and beautiful book! Highly recommend to everyone!
Kristyn Boede –
This book is amazing, my favorite part is the stunning pictures! The author is a wealth of knowledge as well and I can’t wait to read her next book. And see all the gorgeous new photos! Even if you aren’t a hybridizer, this book earns its keep for its beauty alone and will be a coffee table book forever.
Megan Wakeley –
Beautiful book full of inspiration and dahlia knowledge. I was away this year and missed the boat to try propagation by hand, but next season, armed with the book I am going to give it a try!
Kathy Ibbott –
Such a great book with lots of helpful information. Highly recommend.
Debbie Harrison –
A wealth of valuable knowledge is among these pages, Thankyou for sharing.
Caitlin H –
The book is full of helpful information from a very knowledgeable dahlia breeder. The beautiful photos make the read even more enjoyable. Recommended for both new and experienced dahlias growers who are curious to take their growing to a rewarding next level.
Eliza Morgan –
I am new dahlia breeding and wow, Bec’s book is an incredibly informative resource to have in your home! Highly recommend, you will not be disappointed
Dales Dahlias –
A beautifully presented book filled with breathtaking photography and an incredible amount of dahlia knowledge. It’s clear how much passion and expertise has gone into every page. A must-read for anyone who loves growing dahlias. Amazing Bec!!
Kerry Lush –
I like that this book talks about Australian dahlias I am familiar with, grown in a similar climate to me here in the sub tropics.
I want to learn more about dahlia breeding so need the second book to look at this in more depth, looks like I’m going to need a bigger library!
Kate Edin –
Cultivating Curiosity is an essential guide for everyone that wants to try their hand at hybridizing dahlias. This book goes in-depth into all aspects that any hybridizer needs to be aware of and ai highly recommend reading it whether you are new to hybridizing or brushing up your skills.
Vicki –
The photography and information contained in this book is amazing. I’m new to dahlias and reading this book inspired me to collect seed and grow my own rather than compete in the dahlia hunger games of chasing popular tubers. I love how detailed and informative Bec is about dahlia genetics and breeding, I recommend this book for all dahlia lovers!
Catherine Paine –
This is the book that got me growing dahlias!
This is the book that helped me discover so much that I needed to know to have success.
Easy to read. So full of good info. Bec provides us with so much knowledge and I thank her for that.
Sarah McM –
A must-have for anyone wanting to breed their very own dahlias. Bec McConnell shares her knowledge, experience and processes so generously. It’s a handy reference book for even an experienced grower. As a visual learner, I find the beautiful photographs very helpful and they certainly inspire me to further explore all the possibilities of dahlia hybridisation.
Haley. R –
A beautiful book with a wealth of knowledge, that gets you curious and excited for the possibility of your very own varieties of Dahlias!
Sian –
This book has been the push I needed to finally give growing dahlias from seed a go. Growing from seed has always seemed a little intimidating, but Bec explains everything in such an easy to understand way that I thought, why not just give it a go?
I love that it doesn’t feel like a textbook. It’s an easy, enjoyable read, and the beautiful photos throughout definitely keep you inspired. I can’t wait to see what I might be able to breed this coming season!
Hayley Matta –
This book, it beyond inspired me. If you are new to Dahlias or have been around them a decade i highly recommend this.
It’s an enjoyable read, it just makes things click and most of all inspired me to grow more seeds to try and find that unicorn that hasn’t appeared yet 🩷
KB –
Love this book. It’s comprehensive with expert information but it’s an easy read. Beautifully written with stunning accompanying images. It’s inspiring and has given me lots of confidence to start breeding dahlias. Highly recommend to any dahlia enthusiasts, admirers, nerds etc.
Mel Sievert –
Such a fantastic resource for beginners all the way to established growers. The book is full of detailed dahlia science, and loads of photos and colour. This book is all about encouraging growers to think about dahlias differently and get curious, wherever you are on your dahlia journey. While the information is relevant internationally, it’s nice to have a local book with images that show Australia’s dahlias. Highly recommend this book as gift for any dahlia lovers in your family (or perhaps a gift for yourself). Very excited for the next season!
Joann Hartwell –
This book is a must have for beginners and experienced dahlia lovers. Bec breaks down hybridizing dahlias into easy to understand language while also infecting the reader with possibilities! I was repeatedly asking myself, “what if I tried this?” I was left educated and excited for the hybridizing season to begin!
Rachael Sumner –
There must be faeries dwelling in the dahlia fields on Serenade Flower Farm and Bec McConnell is their Queen. Her stunning dahlias on display throughout this book are a testament to her passion and enthusiasm for these amazing blooms. Informative and a visual wonderland, magic happens and it starts with this book. 💜💜💜
Serena –
I bought my copy of this fabulous book from Bec at the recent Queensland Dahlia Society show. It is jam packed with useful information and beautiful images. I have re-read it numerous times, and this year am taking the plunge on growing dahlias from seed!
Lesley –
I was gifted your book for christmas and it is such a beautiful book. As a beginner gardener and wanting to grow dahlias, I have found your book very helpful to learn about growing dahlias from seeds. Beautiful illustrations also in your book
Alison R –
This book is like having Bec in your pocket, ready to answer any question you might have about cultivating your own beautiful dahlia variety. Bec is extremely knowledgeable about dahlia hybridisation and we are so lucky to have this knowledge at our fingertips. Not only is it a wonderful reference book, every page is a visual feast for the eyes. Absolutely beautiful!
Growing dahlias from tubers is wonderful, but nothing beats the excitement of growing your very own variety from seed you have collected yourself! I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to learn more about how to do exactly that!
Ruby –
I absolutely loved Cultivating Curiosity, I got it for my 21st birthday from my Mum; and I learned so much from the book, like what to look out for in seedlings to see if they’re healthy, how to grow them efficiently, what a good Dahlia flower from a seedling looks like, how to track each seedling and observe their traits, how to breed Dahlias so you get traits you want from them, and so much more!
I finished this book in two days; and plan on reading it again whenever I need help with something, It’ll be there for me!
The book will inspire you to breed Dahlias, grow them, and It’ll definitely help you to make a business out of growing Dahlias and selling tubers and seeds!!!
Thank you, Bec; I can’t wait to read your new book!!!
Rebecca Richards –
A beautiful spark for the flower growing soul!
Cultivating Curiosity has been such an incredible companion in the patch. It doesn’t just teach the mechanics of dahlia breeding; it completely shifts how you walk through your rows, encouraging you to slow down, notice the subtle magic of a changing bloom, and truly embrace the patience required of a grower.
After putting Bec’s techniques into practice and trialling growing from seed myself, I’ve been rewarded with the most beautiful, special dahlias in my garden. Seeing those unique blooms come to life because of her guidance has been pure magic. Knowing the immense heart, dedication, and meticulous care that goes into everything Serenade Farm does makes the wisdom in these pages feel even more profound. I am so deeply grateful for this book, and I can’t wait to see where Beyond Curiosity takes us next.
Thank you Bec!