The little "white balls" are fertilizer. They are time released (actually, temperature activated released). It is best to use a low nitrogen fertilizer or a balanced fertilizer. WalMart sells two Miracle Grow types that look the same--but they are not the same. Use the one with the dahlia flo...
These are from bulbs, although we have done both. The trick with seeds is that you never know what color or shape they will turn out to be.