Where Should I Buy Dahlia Tubers?

As our gardens take a winter nap, enthusiastic gardeners impatiently wait for spring. The cold weather prevents us from tending to our gardens, and we flip through seed catalogs, eager for warmer weather.

When the first hints of spring arrive, stores burst with vibrant displays of bagged dahlia tubers alongside other spring-planted bulbs. You can't miss these packaged dahlia tubers flaunting colorful labels, whether at a garden center, discount store, big-box home center, or even the local grocery store.

They're tempting—easy to grab, with attractive prices. But here's a secret about these mass-market dahlia tubers: most are grown in The Netherlands. Sometimes, the label says "Product of Holland," but it means the same thing. 

These tubers come from massive factory farms where dahlia planting and harvesting are mechanized. The dahlias grow in crowded fields and are harvested and packaged by machines. The tubers go through a rough journey from harvest to packaging to transport, often ending up broken and useless.

And guess what? Many tubers are misidentified, meaning the dahlia you grow may not match what's on the package.

Experienced dahlia growers are increasingly turning to small-scale American dahlia tuber producers. These growers focus on healthy plants and practices, offering a better chance of getting dahlias that match the variety name on the label and online shopping makes finding tubers easier.

In the world of US-grown dahlia tubers, you'll find a variety of producers—from small, one-person flower farms with a handful of varieties to massive commercial operations selling thousands of tubers from hundreds of dahlia types each season.

Some small growers sell locally through word of mouth, on social media, or at farmers' markets. However, most serious dahlia tuber sellers have a website showcasing their dahlias. You can browse different dahlias, read about the growers, learn their shipping and return policies, and compare prices. It's like having a whole garden right at your fingertips!

Each buyer should consider when a grower ships their tubers and whether that matches your climate and plans. Since dahlia tubers are perishable, most sellers don't ship your order when you buy them. Instead, they wait and ship tubers to you in the spring—usually in March or April. This timing aligns with warming temperatures in most up areas well-suited for dahlia cultivation.

Some sellers offer fall shipping, but tubers received in November or December must be stored in controlled conditions—not too warm or cold, not too dry or moist—until planting time.

It’s not easy to keep track of all his information. Fortunately, the website Dahlia Addict compiles dahlia varieties offered by hundreds of individual sellers. It lists them in an easily searchable format, showing the seller's business name, their website, and when their inventory goes live for purchase.

The basic site is free, but for a modest $5.99 annual subscription, growers can access additional information, including buyers' reviews of their experience with various sellers.

Most online dahlia tuber sellers have a catalog on their website. Many websites let you sort dahlias alphabetically by name, color, or price. Don't worry if you see messages such as 'Sold Out' or 'Currently Unavailable' for certain dahlias. Sellers often update their available tuber quantities just before their online stores open.

Next, take a moment to check their guarantee and shipping policies. A responsible seller will be transparent about what they're selling. They should guarantee that the tubers are correctly identified and that each tuber has an intact neck with at least one viable eye—the spot where the new dahlia plant will grow.

Read the growers' About Us section. Some emphasize their journey to raising dahlias, while others talk about their growing experience, sanitation practices, and years in business. 

Be sure you understand the seller’s shipping charges. Unlike big online retailers offering free shipping and returns, small dahlia tuber sellers usually charge to cover their shipping costs. Fees can vary, from just enough to cover postage to a more significant shipping & handling fee that might make buying just a few tubers expensive.

Payment methods vary, too. Does the seller accept major credit cards or use online payment processors like PayPal, Venmo, and Apple Pay? Knowing this in advance ensures a smooth checkout process. And don't forget about sales tax—a professional seller will collect it as part of your purchase.

Last, consider whether the seller's garden or farm has the business and nursery licenses required by the state where they operate. Most states have rules about selling and shipping agricultural products, including dahlia tubers, across state lines. 

If this matters to you, look for this information on the seller's website. If it's not there, ask! Supporting responsible dahlia growers who follow the rules benefits everyone in the dahlia community.

When your package arrives, open it right away. Most sellers guarantee two big things: the correct dahlia variety and a tuber capable of growing. You are responsible for verifying you received the ordered tubers in good condition and properly storing them until planting time. 

Read the following information and inspect each of your newly arrived tubers.

Tubers may arrive individually wrapped and labeled, or multiple tubers could be in a single bag with wood shavings, vermiculite, or another cushioning material. Each variety should be stamped on the tuber or clearly labeled.

Some sellers wait until the tuber has an obvious eye before shipping, ensuring viability. Many tubers are shipped with sprouts, and if they bend or break during shipping, don't worry—the tuber eye will produce another shoot. If you can't find an eye on each tuber, don't panic. Review the seller's guarantee to determine your recourse if a tuber fails to sprout despite your attention.

Learn how to care for your dahlia tubers between arrival and planting time. Sellers often include a 'best practices guide'; you will be able to find more tips on storing dahlia tubers in an upcoming Dahlia Doctor blog. 

Ordering dahlia tubers online is a fantastic way to find those hard-to-get colors or specific cultivars you're eager to grow!

I believe in supporting small farms and growers. It's socially responsible and rewards the sound agricultural practices of committed dahlia growers. Also, look for local dahlia societies which may hold spring tuber sales and keep an eye out for fellow growers in your community who may have extra tubers to trade. Happy dahlia growing!