Growing dahlias from seed is something most of us do not do. We grow dahlias from tubers as they are much better plants. Dahlias are notoriously inconsistent from seeds due to the fact they are octaploid.

Buying named tubers is not my thing, since I don't have the proper space and sunlight. Too staid for me as well. I rather experiment with what is in the seed mix. Yes, starting with Unwins is 'lower rent', but I now have blooming for the third year: three semi-double whites, and single purple/white/yellow-green, double apricot, large rosy single, and a single yellow, a single scarlet. If I had the space, I'd plant collected seeds, and evaluate the results. I'm a propagator; it's my safe s**. Enjoy a Sudoku puzzle on the shaded porch, watching the bumble bees, butterflies, and flies, flit and fly!! Gotta love the gardening, eh? Happy growing, ya'll!

Bishop's Children, Sutton's dwarf redskin and Dwarf minstrel can be your options.