How I operate a U-Pick field and a Dahlia production field:

I want to be very clear about my dahlia tuber sales in relation to my on farm U-Pick. I take sanitation and bio-security very seriously at RMB. I WILL NOT risk my stock.

While I do have U-pick fields that includes 3 rows of dahlias, they are completely separate from my dahlia production fields. These are the ONLY three rows my customers can cut in. I am very clear on these rules when I am teaching them where and how to cut. My customers have always been very understanding and respectful about this. The tubers in the U-Pick rows are not dug up to be sold. They are left to overwinter in the field. They are replaced from my own stock and my dahlia seedlings that didn't make the cut to continue on.

My U-Pick customers are allowed to wander through the production fields and pick out blooms and take photos, but they are not allowed to cut the dahlias. EVER. At the end of their U-Pick session we walk through the production field together and I cut their blooms for them in a sanitary manner. Anyone who has visited the farm knows my snip sanitation bucket well. I use Virkon S any time I am cutting dahlias.

I want to assure you that my farm is small. My U-Pick limit is 10 people max. It is never a self serve free for all. I am here for every single U-Pick session working and assisting my customers.

I hope this clears up any concerns you may. It is very possible to operate both in a respinsible manner. Please, if you have additional questions please reach out to me. I am more than happy to talk with you openly.

Inventory:

All varieties will display “Sold Out” leading up to the sale. The website will be password protected the day before the sale so that we can enter updated inventory and counts. The password will be removed automatically when the sale begins. No password required to shop the sale. 

Please keep in mind that I am a small flower farm and mainly a one woman show. While I grow many cultivars, I usually don't grow a lot of plants of each (other than those for cut flower production). Please be understanding that some may sell out very quickly when the sale opens. Kindness and understanding are always appreciated.

Shipping:

Dahlia tubers will ship via USPS Priority Mail to all 50 states in the United States. I’m sorry, we do not ship outside of the USA.

Shipping will be combined on multiple orders to the same physical address placed by one individual. The lowest shipping rate will be refunded.

USPS Priority Shipping Rates

• 1-4 tubers is $14
• 5-10 tubers is $24
• 11+ tubers is $32
• On Farm Pickup is free
• Do not select Farm Pick Up if your tubers have to be shipped. I will cancel your order. If it was selected by mistake just reach out to me immediately.

Tubers will ship between early and mid April once we no longer have a threat of a freeze. You will receive a notification once the order ships that will include your tracking number. Ruthie Mae Blooms, LLC may not be held responsible for delays or lost packages due to factors within the USPS shipping system. All packages are insured through Priority Mail. If you find your package is damaged, lost, or stolen in transit, you will need to file a claim directly with USPS for compensation.

Local on farm pick up orders will receive an email outlining the pick up date/time and process a few weeks ahead of time.

VERY IMPORTANT:  Keeping in mind that dahlia tubers are living plants and perishable, upon receiving your order, please open your box immediately and inspect your tubers. If you have any issues, please email me within 48 hours of receipt at hello@ruthiemaeblooms.com. After 48 hours, the tuber is the sole responsibility of the buyer. After that time frame Ruthie Mae Blooms, LLC cannot be held responsible for any tuber issues that may have been caused by improper storage, shrivel, weather, growing conditions, pest or pet damage, plant performance, failure to thrive or neglect. Do not leave your tubers in direct sun or freezing / extremely hot temps.

Viruses and Gall:

Ruthie Mae Blooms, LLC takes every precaution necessary to mitigate virus and gall transmission. However dahlias are living plants, our soil is just like yours and bugs exist ... unfortunately that means virus and gall exist everywhere to some degree. We can not guarantee virus free or gall free stock. It just isn’t possible. We encourage our customers to use cautionary practices as well when handling their dahlia stock. 

While I have never had a gall infected dahlia at RMB, if you ever receive anything from Ruthie Mae Blooms, LLC that you believe is showing symptomatic of gall, please contact me immediately and send multiple photos of the plant and root system, so I can pause shipping from that stock. Gall is always a reason to immediately dispose of a dahlia and sanitize every tool it has come in contact with. Do not grow or compost plants you know to have gall. 

It is estimated by the ADS that about 87% of dahlia stock in America has some sort of virus. This means watch your plants and pull any that show viral or gall symptoms. Don’t invite the spread. In addition, establish sanitary practices when handling dahlias. Some of the most critical are:

1. Regular inspection and removal of symptomatic plants

2. Sanitation of cutting tools with Virkon S

3. Insect control

4. Proper disposal of infected plants

5. Purchase and propagation of virus-free cuttings

Refunds: 

Refunds will not be offered after the initial 48 hour inspection period, unless the tuber does not bloom true to the cultivar purchased. The refund amount will be of the original purchase price. Ruthie Mae Blooms, LLC is not required to issue a refund, and is not liable for any monetary value beyond the value of the purchased tubers.

As always I thank each and every one of you for supporting my farm. I know you have many options of where to spend your money and I am honored that you chose Ruthie Mae Blooms. Now let's get growing!