Jitterbug.
I first bought this variety from Swan Island Dahlia in 2022. This was one of my earliest varieties to bloom, was a larger producer, and had versatile salmon pink/coral formal decorative blooms that go with every color scheme. Blooms are 2.5" on compact 42" plants. The stems are long and these make great cut flowers. This is an ideal dahlia for a cut flower garden.
When I dug tuber clumps in 2022, the tubers had this lumpy formation. I was concerned this was a nematode infection, and despite assurance they were acceptable from experts in the dahlia field, I chose to dispose of these (when in doubt throw it out :~). I have since moved my dahlia beds and two years later in 2024 ordered new tubers from a different source. New beds, seperate locations and new tubers and I saw the same lumpy formation. See last photo. This tuber form is only found in this variety in my field (with over 1000 plants) and occurs in each plant regardless of the bed in our field. These are healthy tubers on healthy plants and likely a persistent variation in the tuber morphology.
Product Info
During the winter months, tubers are stored in a dormant state. Depending on the tuber variety, weather, and availability of storage medium, we store in plastic wrap, or in vermiculate. We wake our tubers in February and March. This allows us to start our plants early so we have more mature plants that flower earlier during the Michigan growing season. We also propogate cuttings to increase stock. If you would like tubers earlier in the spring we offer pick-up at the farm.
Return & Refund Policy
We are a boutique specialty cut flower farm. We take care to ship tubers with visible eyes and no growth limiting damage. Tubers are living storage stems and can get a little dry (and wrinkle) and or get a small bit soft to the touch. Each variety handles winter storage differently and wakes at it's own pace. We will not send tubers if we are not confident in their viability and the presence of an eye or sprout. If you have a concern, please contact us immediately with a photograph. Our tubers and flowers are meant to bring happiness. We will work with you to resolve any concerns.
Shipping Info
Tubers can be shipped in late spring without a threat of freezing. Shipping is risky from November to April. We will ship via priority mail in April.