General Information

The tubers we sell are all lovingly grown, divided and stored here on our farm in Chewelah, WA.

We only use organic practices in growing and do our best to ship as minimally as possible. Our goal from Day One has been to create a responsible business that leaves our little part the planet in better shape than we found it.

We do our best to prevent the spread of disease by employing the following standards:

• We monitor the health of each plant throughout the season.

• We practice strict tool sanitizing standards between plants.

• Our field is inspected for plant health by Washington Department of Agriculture.

• All newly acquired dahlias are grown in grow bags to prevent any possible spread of disease.

• Plants that show any signs of disease are immediately removed from field and the farm. Not composted!

• Each clump is inspected before we clean and divide. We inspect stored tubers throughout the winter (you should too!) and before we ship tubers we inspect one final time to make sure the tuber(s) you receive are viable.

Tubers vary in size and appearance, it’s surprising how different they can be (and what wondrous flowers they produce!). While a tuber may be yam-size or radish-size, light or dark, as long as there is an eye, a plant will grow!! Please note that some varieties have less conspicuous eyes.

Our goal is to ever-so-slightly wake the tubers up just prior to shipping so you’ll feel confident in your purchase. All tubers are presumed to be planted directly into the ground upon arrival. If you can’t plant within 2 or 3 days of reciept, please know how to store tubers or start indoors. We have no control over how tubers perform once placed in the ground, stored, or planted in other mediums (i.e. potted up for waking and taking cuttings).

It can take 4 - 8 weeks for dahlia tubers to sprout above ground, depending on the variety and the conditions in which they are planted. Digging up tubers to check on progress can impact overall health and growth. Please understand how to best plant and care for dahlias in your planting zone and garden conditions : )

Dahlias are amazing plants. I have trampled new sprouts just poking up through the ground, broken entire stalks all the way to the soil and have been stunned and amazed to see new growth pluckily come right back. Tubers are the same…they can be small, skinny, a bit wrinkled/shriveled/bendy after a long winters nap. We will only send out tubers we feel confident will grow for you! This is again why we might gently wake up them up prior to shipping. We want to be sure you are happy with your purchase!

All of that said, once the tubers have been shipped, we have no control over how packages are treated and can’t be held responsible for damage that occurs in transit. Delivery people are busy and perhaps not aware of the precious cargo they are delivering to you…we all just do out best.

Hopefully all of this makes sense : )

A few notes about dahlia tuber ordering:

• Unfortunately, just because an item is in your cart doesn’t mean that is being held for you. I learned this so many times…had a tuber in my cart and alas, it was gone by the time I checked out. Thus is our lot when shopping online for dahlia tubers.

• Orders are for one single tuber (not clumps). Occasionally, I’ll send out two tubers that are connected (if I couldn’t divide without destroying an eye, I just leave them together).

• Please note that at the time of our sale, our tuber inventory is correct. However, as hard as we try to put our best tuber forward (!), losses can occur during winter storage. If a tuber in your order doesn’t make it through the winter we will notify you ASAP. Refunds will only be for the tuber amount, not shipping, unless of course you only purchased that single tuber : )

• Washington State residents will be charged for sales tax on tuber orders at checkout.

• Orders will ship out in April, depending on weather. We don’t ship earlier as it may very well still be too cold to ship on our end. We’ll send an email notification letting you know when happiness is on the way!!

• When you receive your package, please open and examine your tubers for damage and for correct varieties. If a tuber has sprouted, that’s okay. If a sprout has broken off, that’s okay…it will grow back!

• Should you have concerns about your order, please contact us within seven days of receiving your order at info@littledogflowerfarm.com. Photographs may be required for proof of refund for product quality issues. Please read the Tubers section for more info : )

• If the dahlias purchased from us this season that have failed to sprout through the ground after 6 weeks, dig them up and contact us immediately for assistance. Do not discard them, as photos of them will be required, or return of the tubers may be requested.

• We pledge to do our best to make this experience wonderful for you. As dahlia tuber shoppers ourselves, we know the highs & lows of this experience. Please reach out if you have questions, we’re here to help!

• About Gift Cards

  • Gift Cards are digital, they are not a physical product*. At checkout, you can choose:

  • Email to Recipient:

  • Email to You: this to send it to yourself to present at a later date (either by forwarding the email or printing and delivering in a physical format). I code will be sent to your recipient which they can use at any of the above. If using in person at the Chewelah Farmers Market, they will need to present this code.

  • Gift Cards can not be redeemed for cash.

Dahlia Tuber Orders:

• Dahlia Tuber Orders will ship out towards the end of April, depending on weather. We ship USPS Priority Mail.

• We charge a flat rate of $xx (stay tuned for updated shipping rate) regardless of how many tubers you order.

• YES, we will combine orders! If you place a second (third?) order with us, please use the code LDFFCOMBINE which will provide free shipping. Please do not use this on your first order…if this code is used on first purchase, your order will be canceled : (

• PLEASE EMAIL us info@littledogflowerfarm.com with your order numbers so we are sure to put your orders together (greatly appreciated!!)

• We currently only ship within the continental US. Sorry : (

Local Delivery

If you live close enough and want to pick up your order in person, please choose “Store Pickup - CHEWELAH DAHLIA TUBERS PICKUP” at checkout. Please do not use th please is code for orders that will be shipped. Using this code for any orders other than Chewelah, WA pickups will result in your order being canceled : (

For our local shoppers we’ll have your orders ready for you at the first and/or second (TBD) 2025 Chewelah Farmers Market (Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 pm at Chewelah City Park, N Park St, Chewelah, WA 99109). You will be notified by email when the date(s) are finalized.

Gift Card Orders

• Gift Cards are digital products.

• You can choose to email the order info to yourself OR directly to your recipient.

• Please see Gift Card Orders for more information : )

This is a very high level overview of how to plant your dahlia tubers. For a deep dive, please visit Swan Island Dahlias, my go to when I have questions.

WHEN:

• The best time to plant dahlia tubers depends on your local climate (please check your USDA Growing Zone), but as a general rule:

• Wait until after the last frost date: Dahlia tubers are sensitive to cold, so you should plant them after the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed.

• Soil temperature: Aim for a soil temperature of at least 60°F (15°C).

WHERE:

• Plant your dahlia tubers in well draining soil that receives 6 - 8 hours of sunlight.

HOW:

• Dig a hole 4-6” deep and prep with any amendments you may be adding (I mix steer manure and bone meal to the soil at time of planting). Place the tuber on its side and cover it completely with soil. Space your tubers 12 - 18” apart.

• This is the best time to add your support state as you won’t damage any new growth.

Starting your dahlia tubers indoors is a great way to get a head start on the growing season, especially if you live in a cooler climate (Chewelah!!). Here’s how you can do it:

When to Start Dahlias Indoors

Begin 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date. This gives the tubers time to sprout and develop roots while avoiding the risk of frost damage.

Steps for Starting Dahlias Indoors

Choose a Container: Use pots that are at least 8-10 inches deep to give the tubers room to grow.

Prepare the Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that HAS NOT been treated for weeds or enhanced with fertilizer. Avoid heavy garden soil, as it can retain too much water.

Plant the Tubers:

Place the tuber horizontally in the pot with the "eye" (a small bump or sprout) facing up.

Cover with 2-3 inches of soil, leaving some space at the top of the pot for watering.

Water Lightly: Water the soil just enough to moisten it. Overwatering can cause the tuber to rot before it sprouts.

Provide Warmth and Light:

Keep the pots in a warm spot (65-70°F).

Once sprouts appear, place them near a bright window or under grow lights.

Harden Off Before Transplanting:

After the last frost, gradually introduce your dahlias to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before planting them in the garden.