Usually tubers start to eye up in March and April and I can start shipping orders with early tubers in April.  This year was really cold and I only got a handful of orders out in April.  The first weekend in May was quite warm and the eyes started to pop which allowed me to start packaging and shipping at last.  

Here is the process, if it helps you understand why I can’t ship any faster than I already am. 

I work on dahlias all day everyday on sorting, packing, and shipping.  When your order hits the top of the pile, I look in the bins and that is when I discover that that particular bin no longer has any tubers with eyes.  I stop packing and work through the larger tub again, to see if any new eyes have appeared. 

If not, I mark that tuber as unavailable on your order and fill what I can. As you can see, I can’t really anticipate this in advance, nor can I do much about it. If there are no tubers with eyes, I can’t send you a tuber.  I understand it is frustrating for you, and I am confident that you can understand that this is outside my control.

If you have selected Substitutions, I pick an alternate for you and your order is sent on its way. If you have selected Credit/Refund, I hand-write a discount code for the value of your missing tuber(s) plus a $1 per tuber for the inconvenience, so that if your tuber eyes up later, you can re-order it with your discount code. Naturally, if you prefer a refund, right away or later, we can do that too — just let me know.

I do want to point out that from start to finish, our stated shipping window is April and May.  On the dahlia home page 2022 shipping dates are shared and in your order confirmation email this information is also included. 

Because it is clearly established that tubers will ship in April and May, I am surprised at how many frustrated emails I receive complaining that I am “late in shipping” or “haven’t shipped yet.” In my view, these emails would be appropriate after May 31st.  Prior to May 31st they just take me away from sorting, packing, and shipping, and they drain my emotional tank. No-one likes to hear complaints when they are doing the best they can with circumstances outside their control.

I have packed 2/3 of the orders in the last two weeks and will get the last 1/3 out in the next ten days, eyes permitting.

If you prefer to cancel, please note that per terms of service, cancelled orders are subject to a 15% cancellation fee as it isn’t really fair to me to order for April and May shipping and then get frustrated and cancel mid-May.  

Some of you have been quite gracious and understanding and have lifted me up with your kind words. I am exhausted with this work pace and so appreciative of those of you that have been able to look into the perspective of a small business trying to do too much in too little time. Thank you, you know who you are.

And the others? You know who you are as well. When you order from a small northern farm, please don’t get mad when your order ships in the tail-end of the stated shipping window. Perhaps order from farms in southern climes or adjust your expectations to align with the reality of cold northern springs. But please don’t take it out on me.