All growing season and all winter we have worked to keep these dahlia tubers happy. Our tubers are protected over the winter in our cooler to keep the ideal temperatures. They are also sprinkled with cinnamon as a natural anti-fungal to prevent rot and mold. From composting, watering, fertilizing, and tending dahlias all summer and fall to dividing, storing, and protecting tubers all winter, we want tubers to stay happy during shipping so they arrive to you at their best.
In preparation for shipping the tubers are placed in a paper bag filled with fresh, large vermiculite (the good stuff) to keep the tubers from getting too moist or dry as well as providing a soft cushion. This entire package is compostable except for the sticker/label with the variety name (which can be removed).
They will be shipped via USPS Priority mail and should only be in transit for a few days. Extra padding, if necessary, beyond the vermiculite could include plastic air-filled bags or paper. These are likely on their second use, and can be reused again and again before recycling.
If you can’t plant or pot up your tubers immediately, ensure that they are kept in a location that is out of the sun (they could get fried), that is not hotter than room temperature. Do not put them in the freezer or a cold fridge (this could kill them and turn them to mush). They do not need to be watered at this point. At most a brief misting of water if they start to shrivel (and really that is a sign you should plant or pot them). They can stay in their paper bags, but not indefinitely. Pot up or plant out after your regions last frost date AND once the soil has warmed (similar to a tomato). With the current climate chaos, dates can differ.