• DAHLIA TUBERS:

    POSTAGE

    We are unable to send our dahlia tubers and garlic to WA, NT or Tasmania due to quarantine restrictions.

    We send elsewhere in Australia only. No international postage.

    We only use Express Post from Australia Post to ensure you receive your tubers as quickly as possible. Being a perishable product, and given the warmer weather in some parts of the country, we do not want them in a box for too long! However we are not responsible for any delays or mishandling by Australia Post.

    We will aim for shipping to commence from mid-October, however this may be subject to change depending on eye development and other factors out of our control, such as adverse weather conditions.

    FARM PICK-UP

    We will not be offering farm pick up this year for dahlia tubers.

    FARMERS MARKET PICK-UP

    Pick-up will be available from either the Woodend Farmers Market (Oct & Nov) or the Kyneton Farmers Market (Nov). Choose your preference at checkout.

    COMBINED ORDERS

    We allow single shipping for multiple orders. Please choose the ‘Combine Order’ option for any additional orders. Additional orders need to be made with the same details as the first order — name, email, address and payment method.

  • DAHLIA TUBERS

    ISSUES:

    Please open your order as soon as you receive them and check all purchased contents. Tubers will be sent in good condition, with a visible eye and firm neck and body.

    If tubers that have been sold do not develop as expected, we may need to update your order and will either replace or remove the affected items from your order. If removed, we will provide you with a credit. We will contact you first if this is the case.

    If you believe you have received the wrong items, the tubers are damaged or are defective, please contact us within 48hrs of delivery (delivery means to the post office or your home) at fatmagpiefarm2@gmail.com including full details and in-focus photos.

    We cannot be responsible for your tubers after this time.

    CHANGE OF MIND:

    Unfortunately we do not refund or allow returns due to a change of mind.

    Please choose carefully!

    BIOSECURITY:

    Due to TPP restrictions in Victoria, we cannot send any tubers with leaves or ‘green material’ attached. For dahlias, this means a sprout bigger than 10mm. 

    For safety’s sake, we will need to cut it off. Don’t worry — the sprout will grow back, and there is no harm done to its development.

    We therefore do not offer refunds, cancellations or returns for tubers that have had sprouts cut off.

  • Being in one of the coldest growing areas, our tubers do take a while to wake up. Only tubers with a formed eye, or one that will develop into an eye will be listed. 

    For this reason, quantities may still be a bit low for some cultivars, but I will continue to check them and will likely have another sale a bit later in spring.

  • Some items may have purchase limits so they can be shared as much as possible. These limits are per shipping address, not per order. 

    Our system cannot hold items for you until payment has been made at checkout; the transaction needs to be complete for them to be yours.

  • When should I plant dahlia tubers?

    • Plant dahlia tubers in spring after the danger of frost has passed.

    • In most areas of Southern Australia, this is typically September to November.

    • In cooler inland or elevated regions, wait until the soil has warmed and frosts are finished.

    • Where is the best place to plant dahlias?

    • Choose a position with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

    • Dahlias perform best in well-drained, fertile soil.

    • Avoid low spots where water pools after rain.

    • How should I prepare the soil?

    • Mix in compost or well-rotted organic matter several weeks to months before planting.

    • Remove weeds and loosen the soil to improve drainage.

    • A slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal.

    • How deep should I plant dahlia tubers?

    • Plant tubers 10-15 cm deep with the growing eye (bud) facing upwards.

    • Space plants 30-45 cm apart (cut flowers) or 45-60cm (gardens), depending on the mature size of the variety.

    • Cover with soil and label varieties if desired.

    • Should I water after planting?

    • Water lightly after planting to settle the soil.

    • Avoid overwatering before shoots emerge, as excess moisture can cause tubers to rot. Rain is fine, however protect the soil from heavy downpours if possible and depending how well your soil drains.

    • Once growth appears, water well.

    • Do I need to stake my dahlias?

    • Most medium and tall dahlia varieties benefit from support.

    • Install stakes at planting time to avoid damaging tubers later.

    • Tie stems loosely to the stake as they grow.

  • When should I fertilise?

    • Once shoots are established and around 10-15 cm tall, apply a balanced fertiliser suitable for flowering plants.

    • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which can encourage leaf growth instead of flowers.

    • How do I care for young dahlia plants?

    • Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for water and nutrients.

    • Monitor for snails, slugs and other pests that may damage young shoots.

    • Maintain consistent moisture (not wet) during warm spring weather.

    • What is the first pinch?

    • The first pinch is the removal of the main growing tip.

    • It encourages a bushier plant with more flowering stems and stronger growth.

    • When should I pinch my dahlias?

    • Pinch when plants are about 20-30 cm tall and have 3-4 pairs of true leaves.

    • This is usually several weeks after the first shoots emerge.

    • How do I pinch dahlias?

    • Using clean fingers or secateurs, remove the top growing tip just above the third or fourth set of leaves.

    • New side shoots will develop below the pinch, creating a fuller plant with longer stems & more blooms later in the season.

    Frost-prone area tip: Protect young shoots if a late frost is forecast in cooler regions, and increase watering during warm spring periods, especially in inland areas.