Swan Island Dahlias

I received an email from Swan Island this past June for dahlias that they still had in stock and were offering a discount. I ordered 3 different tuber varieties since I loved the colors. I knew I was going to be getting them in the ground later than is recommended but.."what the heck." The order came in record time with EXPLICIT directions on how to plant, and what to do if your dahlias DO NOT grow (which yes, they want you to dig them up), so those that are complaining, should have read ALL the materials that were sent with your order. Well, I started off good, some of the tubers were small, (genetics), but extremely healthy. They came up in the time that was indicated, and then life happened and I could barley tell the dahlias from the weeds, did not water as I should have, did not feed them, hubby accidentally weed whacked one down...the other three, I pinched and I got the most beautiful flowers through all the thick weeds. My favorite was Semper Fi! I was very impressed with my dahlias, considering all the abuse they took. Will be digging the tubers up for next year...can not imagine what I will get if I take care of them like I should have! Thank you Swan Island for your straight- forward instructions and your You Tube videos as well. You go above and beyond and it is appreciated!

On the plus side, all seven tubers have sprouted. However, the ink on the tubers detailing the name was degraded so much I couldn’t make out the names. The company did suggest I email pictures to them and they would help, but I potted them up and will label at bloom time. I would be less disappointed if only one or two names were illegible, but not all seven.

After a 3 year hiatus in dahlia gardening due to my other hobbies, i decided to order again as I have done a few times from Swan Island some tubers to plant this year. I ordered late in the season but was able to pick 10 from what was remaining left to order. One thing i noticed was they gave you an option to customize your delivery date (extra $5) which I did, and as scheduled, the packaged arrived on time. The tubers looked healthy and firm with visible eyes. I was about to go to the garden store to purchase label markers when to my surprise they included labeled markers with the tubers which I don't think they have done in the past years ago. Looking forward to growing dahlias again this year. Also ordered rooted cuttings from another grower in Utah.

Ordered more than once from this company--slick operation. They leave these long boilerplate replies here as if they care and they do-- once they get your money they will never give it up. They send the world's tiniest tubers. Dahlias were always so easy. I always got the best show from other company's dahlias...but not their nano dahlias. Oh and when they don't come up and you want a credit, a replacement, NOT even a refund-- suddenly you are speaking to a boiler room sale toughie. They grill you. They want you to dig up. They ARE so suspicious and this makes me suspicious because cheaters think that others are trying to cheat. All this over dahlias, which grow like weeds. Big glorious beautiful weeds. sometimes tempted by their catalog. How could a plant lover not be? But I remind myself-- you won't get the picture with their measly tubers. And if there is a problem, which there will be, because spindly tubers have no cushion to survive, this "family business" has its guarantee--a guarantee to screw the customer.

I am making this comment neutral because I've purchased tubers in the past and have no complaints about them. I received an email about their new website and thought I'd take a look. I was dismayed to see that they offer Bayer 3-in-1 Insect, Disease and Mite Control. This product contains a neonicotinoid. These pesticides have been implicated in bee declines and new information links them to songbird die-offs. Dahlias are fairly easy to grow, and dousing a plant in a number of pesticides for a single problem is unsound no matter what the product contains. I emailed the company and received an empty response about offering their customers choices and promoting bee safety. I will not purchase tubers from them again.

I placed an order for them in late Fall 2019. Despite increasingly complicated spring of 2020, received order on time and complete on March 2. And since I was busy, I couldn't plant the tubers right that instant, but did eventually get them potted up. Much to my surprise, every single one of the tubers had shoots starting; they were all firm and good quality. Previous attempts at ordering dahlias from other suppliers, and even buying tubers that I picked myself have not been nearly as successful. If I can only manage to treat them correctly, I expect healthy plants. Very satisfied with Swan Island.

I spent $117 buying dahlia tubers from Swan Island, and most came up, but a few did not. The three tubers which did not come up were expensive, two for $19.95 and one $24.95 ( which I have found can be found cheaper on other sites). When received, some of the tubers were extremely small, but I hoped for the best. When I contacted Swan Island about the failure to grow at the end of California’s long growing season, they wanted me to dig up the tubers and send a picture! First, they had been in the ground and watered for five months, and most likely were rotted and gone. Second, I plant my dahlias in my vegetable garden, as there is good soil and lots of sun, but I do not label plants as I find labels ugly, so where do I dig? The company refused to replace the tubers, and treated me like I was lying,which made me very angry. If the tubers were $5.95, I would not have even complained, but I had paid $65.00 for three tubers which never grew! I am an idiot for paying so much, but I am an extremely good gardner with fifty years of experience, and the tubers did not fail to grow due to any failure on my part. And I am angry the company does not stand behind their product. I will never order from this company again.

They do carry a good variety of dahlias. But all 3 tubers I received are ridiculously small - literally just one finger. And finger means just the size of my finger. And unfortunately only one came up. The other two tubers simply rotted. Meanwhile all other dahlias (from other nurseries) planted in the same bed are growing like crazy. Even the Home Depot sells bigger, healthier tubers than they do. I really feel like an idiot for paying much higher prices with them thinking they might be better because they specialize in dahlia. No they are not. So if you really want that one variety that can not be found anywhere else, maybe give them a try. Otherwise for those common varieties, seriously, buy from the Home Depot.

Late 2017 I placed my first order with Swan Island. I received my order the third week in April 2018 but waited about a month to plant. I planted eight of their Half Pint and three of Cooper Blaine. I received one tuber as a free gift. They took a while to come up this summer, but they all did and I am very happy with the result. It is October 1st and I still have blooms opening. I will definitely order from them again.

Ordered quite a few dahlias last fall. 14 I think with 2 free. I was dismayed when i received my order this spring. The tubers were small and there were no tags. The names were stamped on the tubers and i couldnt read most of them. Planted them in several beds, most of them in my main long perennial border. Only 2 have come up. Contacted the company as they advertise a 100% guarantee. Finally spoke to someone on the phone just now. They expect me to try to dig up my perennial bed to find these tubers (and who knows whether even if i could remember exactly where they are planted, there is anything there that hasnt rotted or withered away?) so i can take photos to send them. First of all, i am disabled and it is a great effort to plant but i make it because that is what i love. Second, as they didnt come up, i dont even know where i this crowded bed they are. And, it is hot outside and i have been ill this summer, so it is overwhelming to even think of doing this. I am so disappointed with the product i received and then the poor customer service. What a waste of money and effort to plant. Will never purchase from this company again.

Nice tubers, beautiful catalog and web site. Good customer service too!

I have ordered dahlia tubers from Swan Island Dahlias many times over the past few years and I am always pleased with both the quality of their customer service and the tubers I receive. Whenever a tuber fails to produce a plant, the company is quick to send a replacement or a credit for the following year. The tubers are clean, healthy and always well marked with the name of the variety. Their hybridization program produces new varieties each year that I always look forward to seeing.

Pro: Very reliable company and tubers very robust looking when they arrive. This is my second year ordering dahlias from Swan Island. I ordered about 10 tubers last year and another 10 this year. Con: Small plant size and also fewer blossoms when they emerge. This year I also ordered from k. vanBourgondien and Longfields Gardens. The Swan Island tubers looked the healthiest of the 3 mail order companies but 2 months later, some of theirs are the smallest plants, both in diameter of plant and height. (planted in the same area, under the same sun and soil conditions). Swan Island sends one big, well marked tuber. The other companies sent tuber clumps - some of which were small and dried out. But those sad looking clumps of tubers produced much healthier looking first year plants.

I have ordered dahlia tubers from Swan Island Dahlias for several years and have very few complaints. The tubers have always been healthy, viable, and clearly labeled. A couple of times the descriptions in the catalog (regarding plant height, bloom size, etc.) have not been totally accurate, but for the most part are. I do recommend this company.

Last season, I purchased 12 or so dahlia tubers from Swan Island. They were well packaged and the tubers were stamped with the name of the variety. I was impressed by the freshness and overall quality of the tubers. They all produced. I will be buying again.

I ordered a dozen dahlia tubers from this company and all have produced large, healthy plants with many blooms. The packaging and tuber marking was very good. Delivery was on time. The catalog is beautiful and informative. This was a perfect online ordering experience.

So far so good, all the Dahlias I ordered last year sprouted and grew nicely, I grow my Dahlias in pots and over winter the pots in my basement. All the Dahlias have sprouted again this year and are growing vigorously. Two of the new varieties I ordered were already sprouting and seem to be growing nicely. Great company.

I ordered 45 dahlias this year. Several tubers didn't grow but I have to say Swan Dahlias is terrific in getting replacements out quickly and the people there are very nice to work with. I had problems with the dahlias growing initially and am still waiting for the last plant to show it's first blooms, but the dahlias are stunning and I love the numerous variety of plants they offer. I suspect next year the plants will come out of the ground quicker. Overall I'd say Swan Dahlia is worth working with.

The dahlia tubers I ordered arrived quickly and were very healthy. Having never tried dahlias in the desert, I'm pleased to announce almost all have grown. My first flower buds are coming out. I am anxiously awaiting the blooms!

They have a very large selection. The tubers I ordered arrived in great shape, properly packed and labeled. All have sprouted and are looking good.

Ordered 8 Dahlia's from them (believe one or two were bonuses). Everything was very professional and I received my order exactly as they said I would. Every last one I received this Spring is already growing and all appear very healthy. Looking forward to seeing their beautiful blooms.

I ordered 7 different Dahlia tubers. All came as described and in good condition. They were shipped on the date requested and by the time I planted them, all were sprouting. I look forward to seeing them bloom in the summer. Some of the tubers were tiny so if they don't bloom, at least they can grow and I'll have them for next year. Also, the prices were pretty fair IMO.

I ordered 7 Dahliah a few months ago and was given a bonus dahlia for a total of 8. I did an internet chat and was trying to add a couple of white ones but the order had already been sent to the wharehouse. The rep. did offer me half price shipping if I wanted to do a second order so I did. I received the dahlias a few days ago and was glad they waited for good weather and did not ship at the normal time because even zone 8 still had freezing temps. I am very happy with the service and the packing. The tubers do look freshly dug, they were shipped in dry peat moss, they look great!

I'm very happy with Swan Island Dahlias. I looked everywhere for "Pooh Dahlia" and they have it! Shipping and handling is really inexpensive compared to other online nurseries. Great customer service and fast shipping.

last year I ordered a dozen tubers from swan island island. I planted in may of this year and by june only four or five very weak shoots appeared. when I contacted them they made prompt replacements, most of which were duds. never have I had poorer dahlias and next year i will be back to my trusted source, HOME DEPOT AND AT CONSIDERABLY REDUCED COST. submitted august, 2013

Ordered several dahlia tubers this spring and all sprouted. Our spring came really late, so no flowers yet since they weren't planted until the middle of June, but they should be blooming in the next several weeks. Can't wait to see the flowers! Would definitely order from Swan Island again.

I was first exposed to Swan Island Dahlias by my grandmother, who lived in the Salem area but has since passed away. She had gone to the dahlia festival and purchased a beautiful pink variety (which she didn't label) that grew and bloomed profusely. So I went to the dahlia festival to see the gardens for myself - what a treat! It was the beginning of an addiction (grin). I have been ordering from them for the last three years. During that time, all but five tubers (out of about a hundred) grew and were true to type and form. Some didn't like WHERE they grew, but they did grow, and I learned where in my garden dahlias like to be planted. During this learning period, I have only lost one tuber, Canby Centennial, to rot in a really wet spring past the guarantee period in it's second season, the year before last. Last season I had dahlias blooming vigorously through the second week of November when I finally had to cut them back (and it felt like I was murdering them, they were so healthy). That's a pretty good record, in my opinion, and speaks to the quality of the stock that Swan Island raises. I have, on several occasions, added to or adjusted my original orders, and the customer service staff has been unfailingly kind and professional. The three times a tuber failed within the guarantee period, and the two times a tuber was not true to the catalog picture (again, out of about 100 tubers ordered), I told customer service as soon as I realized the problem, and Swan Island replaced the tubers with no questions asked in my next season's order. To me, considering the size of their operation, that represents a committment to excellent customer service. I have been very happy with every ordering experience I have had with Swan Island Dahlias, and I can't wait to get my tubers this year!

Last September I bought 33 tubers (to be shipped in March 2012) to a tune of $209.45. The tubers shipped as promised and all looked healthy. However, it is now the end of August and only 5 of those 33 tubers have poped up above the soil. When I contacted Swan Island Dahlias about the problem (via e-mail) they asked what the tubers looked like now. So after alot of effort (I am disabled) I dug up 10 of the 33 and discovered that most had rotted away, the two that I did find appear to have rotted from the inside out. Needless to say I am rather unhappy. That was large sum of money to invest in something I got only limited return for. Will I buy from them again? Probably not, I might expect some tubers not to sprout...but 28 tubers is very bizarre.

I ordered fourteen varieties from them this year. I had a good experience with their customer service when I wanted to change my order and all fourteen of their tubers have sprouted. I would highly recommend this company. Their stock is the best I have seen since I started this dahlia kick.

Posted on August 7, 2011, updated April 12, 2012 I placed a small order for $25 with Swan as well as one with Easy Gro..Two of the Swan tubers grew but one is not a color I ordered. The other two never sprouted and the one that did sprout is very small. (You get one tuber per variety so it is not surprising that they are not gigantic the first year) I only mention Easy Gro because the ones I ordered from that company are flourishing so I do not think it is my horticultural skills that are the problem (40 yrs gardening). The web site is good, easy to manage and to order and shipping was prompt.

I ordered 7 tubers from Swan Island Dahlias last winter. I had to get a hold of customer service a couple of times to make changes to my order and they were very helpful. This spring the tubers came in good shape. All varieties safe for one sprouted, I got a replacement for the one that didn't sprout in the same season. When I dug out the "failed" tuber, I found it was in good shape so I planted it in a different location and it sprouted as well. That variety and the replacement didn't do terribly well (the replacement bloomed very late and very modestly) BUT I take responsibility for that. The rest of the plants are stellar. Massive amounts of blooms and in the exact colors ordered. This year I placed an order for 8 more varieties. I am sure the service will be just as good. And one last thing... out of all dahlia mail order companies I've explored, Swan Island has the most user friendly and well executed website. One minor thing I'd like to mention is that the selection could use more show winning varieties but I'm sure they choose the varieties they carry very carefully.

I LOVE THESE PEOPLE!!! I ordered 3 dahlias in late March. I asked for them to be shipped ASAP as I needed to get them started in my greenhouse quickly. Many companies offer a "quick ship" option, very few actually deliver. Swan Island I am pleased to say absolutely does! My tubers arrived 4 days after I ordered them. The tubers were large and well formed. Two of them sprouted immediately and have grown to enormous size. Sadly the third did not sprout, it did not rot, it just did nothing. I went to their website and read their guarantee and ready for a fight (sadly I have been driven to this by the poor service at other companies), I picked up the phone. The lady I spoke to was courteous and appologized quickly. To my amazement she said that they would ship me a new tuber that day. Sure enough, 3 days later it was waiting on my front porch! Thanks Swan Island for restoring some of my faith in on-line plant retailers!

Posted on August 28, 2010, updated October 31, 2010 I ordered two collections during the early winter of 2009, and then I received a note that they had suffered some freeze damage and would be making some substitutions when my order shipped in the spring of 2010. The bulbs looked good and all of them sprouted. As these 25+ dalihas began to bloom, the bloom size was 2-3 inches in diameter, occasionally 4 inches, mainly orange and purple, which were supposed to be 4-7 inch blooms. We are now at the end of the summer and this has not changed, although some of the plants have reached 4-5 feet in height. As best I can tell, these varieties would be rejects anywhere else. I am giving them a negative based on the quality of blooms and the lack of variety in collections that were supposed to all be different.

I received some substitute Dahlias when I ordered this year because of the freeze damage they suffered. I started them in the green house to grow early and to check on viability. After planting them out in the garden I was rewarded with earlier blooms than I obtained on the Dahlias left in the ground from other years. Every tuber but one was viable. I have had great service from this company. They replace any tubers that did not grow with my next order. My only regret is that I am too far away to easily get to their Dahlia festival, which I am sure is a great event for Dahlia lovers like me.

Just got my dahlia tubers last week - mailed exactly when they said they would be mailed. They were the largest, best packaged dahlias out of the 5 places I ordered from this year. Stamped with the name of the dahlia on each one. Only one was sprouting, but saw eyes on all of them. Came with a growing guide, coupon, and catalog. So far so good!

My first order with this company and it was awesome...The tubers were so clean and healthy...I planted them right up...I will order from them again.

Posted on March 5, 2010, updated March 6, 2010 I initially ordered three dahlias, all of which arrived in great shape. I tried, however, to add a fourth to my order, and was told it would be no problem so long as I confirmed the addition. I did so, but the shipment was sent without said addition. When I sent an email questioning the shipment, I never received a reply. So, in short, what I received was as promised but I hoped for better communication (and action) on the subsequent addition.

In all my years of dealing with Swan Island Dahlias, I can conjure up only ONE negative......I didn't care for the t-shirts for sale at the annual Festival this year! In all my years of planting Swan Island tubers, I've only had one bad bulb. That was 15 years ago, it rotted in the ground, (probably my fault as it was my first experience putting them in the ground). A phone call to the company, and a replacement was on the way! The replacement was perfect, blooming all summer long. Every year I swear to myself and my husband I will NOT buy more tubers at the festival!.......I can't wait for my shipment to arrive this spring, in perfect condition, ready to gift my garden with multiple new shades of coral colors! I dug up my tubers yesterday and am now preparing to divide and share them with others. I have run out of space in my sun garden area, and am going to have to dig up and move my roses to make room for the new tubers. I can't wait for spring! I LOVE everything about Swan Island Dahlias.......the farm......the people....the color.....the festival. Everything but the t-shirts this year. A faithful fan! Sydney Anderson Lake Oswego, Oregon

This has been my second year with this company and i have been extremely satisfied. Both times the tubers arrived (from the US to Greece!) in perfect state. They were fresh, clean, with multiple eyes (some of them had already sprouted) and very carefuly packed. Their catalogue takes your breath away and is NOT misleading. So far every different dahlia has grown exactly as to the description (size of flowers and colour). All the plants have sprouted and grown pretty quickly and flowered even more quickly. Last June one of the plants was almost dead, i e-mailed them asking for advice and i got a response within hours. This year the same tuber was added to my order for free, without any further mention from my behalf! Highly recommended.

I am brand new to the dahlia world and this was my first time ordering from Swan's and it has been a great experience. I ordered 15 tubers and all but two sprouted when I started them indoors. I contacted Swan and they immediately sent me replacements, which sprouted very quickly. As I said, I am very new and I had a couple of questions that I couldn't find the answers to so I emailed Swan to ask for help. They quickly responded and were very helpful. I am a very pleased customer--very healthy tubers plus great customer service. I highly recommend this company. I hope to order more next year. I only wish my yard were bigger so I could fill it up with dahlias!

Recieved my order a few days ago and the tubers were in excellent condition with eyes already visable. This is my second year ordering from Swan Island and will definately order from them in the future. A++++++ rating in my book!

3/29/09.....Received my shipment on time from this company...tubers were well packaged and in healthy condition....paid extra $3 to have them shipped early so I can start them early and take cuttings off the plants prior to planting them....this is my third year to order from this company....have not been disappointed in the tubers I ordered....Maryanne, zone 5

I have been buying my tubers from Swan Island for years and always have great success. I also am fortunate enough to live near enough to attend their festival so I can see what I want in the fields as well as done up in bouquets. Every year I bring flowers to work and I convert at least one new person to dahlias just by the beauty of the display. I find the customer service at Swan Island to be great--they are pro active and listen to what I have to say. On the rare occasion when I have asked for a replacement they take care of me with no fuss. Regarding the negative comments--I think it's unfair to rate a company negatively but not give them a chance to try to resolve the issue. I suppose the unreasonableness of that speaks for itself.

I have only ever gotten quality tubers from Swan Island dahlias and I feel very lucky to have found you After years of frustration from other companies, so keep up the great work.You'll keep me for years.

The dahlias that I ordered from Swan Island were true to name and grew vigorously. I contacted them about one tuber whose eye had been lost during shipping and received a replacement very promptly, which is excellent customer service in my book.

I have ordered bulbs from Swan Island Dahlia for the past three years and in each instance the bulbs arrived in prized condition, with the variety stamped on each bulb. The packaging is primo and the booklet of instructions could not be easier to follow............that is, if you take the time to read them. I always do and follow the instructions to the letter. My plants are strong and healthy bloomers. This year spring was so late in Oregon and it was June before I planted my new bulbs. They are each 18" tall already and have bloomed. Their website is extraordinary and each picture is exactly the way your dahlia will look and the descriptions are exceptionally accurate. This generation has thought of everything the customer needs. I live close enough to be able to attend their dahlia festival every year. Wouldn't miss it. Their display of every variety is beautifully presented and the names they give each one is full of imagination. Best dahlia bulbs and the best value. Shop their website and you will not be disappointed!!!!!

I ordered dahlias three times from this company. All bulbs came on time, spurted and grow beautifully.

Ordered late in the season but response was swift. Healthy tubers, individually stamped with variety's name. Catalog and internet site put together well.

Purchased a gift certificate for my sister-in-law and was impressed by their site and their helpfulness (the place I tried before Swan Island didn't even bother to answer my enquiries), so I ordered a few dahlias for myself. They arrived yesterday - beautifully and securely packaged. Can't wait to get them in the ground!

My order arrived today. Each of the 7 tubers came in one bag and were stamped with the name of the variety on the tuber -- and each appeared solid and in good condition. All but one had a visble growth point and 3 even had an active new root. The one without a visible growth point was a rectangular strange shaped tuber; I had trouble telling which side was up so I planted it on its side. Will see how they do in the next month or two. This company takes dahlia growing seriously and their web site is a feast for the eyes with plenty of information for the mind.