Tuber Size

Dahlias are as unique as people. They come in all shapes and sizes. Tuber size will in no way affect or control the growth or performance of the plants. Some of our largest dahlias produce the smallest tubers, but always produce the biggest healthiest plants and most gigantic blooms. We sell the largest tubers that each variety makes, and we keep the small or broken pieces to plant in our fields. A larger tuber will bloom about 1 week earlier than a small tuber. However, a smaller tuber will produce more tubers. Please don't judge a tuber by its size. All tubers are guaranteed to grow. Typically, we find that a great blooming season yields less tubers, and a poor blooming season yields more tubers.

Tuber Identification

Swan Island Dahlias has a unique way of labeling the tubers. You will find the variety name stamped on each individual tuber you receive, as seen in the video. Your tubers will be packaged in the same bag, and you will be able to identify each tuber by the name stamped on it. Some tubers will show sprouted eyes and others may have dormant eyes when you receive them, as they have not had a chance to warm up in our storage. All tubers are guaranteed to grow.

Single Division Dahlia Tuber Vs. Pot Roots

single or multi-tuber division (100% of what we offer our customers) is a tuber that has been field grown to maturity, divided, stored, and then shipped out to you. A pot root is a dahlia cutting that has been forced in a greenhouse, partially grown, and then dug up and sold. Most dahlias imported from other countries will be pot roots; most domestic U.S. Growers grow and sell dahlias as single divisions. Both will produce and grow beautifully for you; it is just two different growing methods.