Hmong farmers need home gardeners’ help after heavy floods wipe out dahlia flower crops

Generations of farmers have earned a living from working the fertile bottomlands along King County’s Snoqualmie River. Many of those riverside livelihoods were wiped out last November as widespread flooding inundated farmlands and ruined crops.

Among the hardest hit by the flooding were Hmong flower growers, who lost more than $1 million in plants, bulbs and machinery during Novembers record flooding. Their farms are some of the most important sources of flowers whose colorful displays brighten Seattle’s landmark Pike Place Market, along with many other popular farmers markets throughout King County.

The King County Agriculture Commission and the Washington State University Extension is teaming with local nurseries to help Hmong farmers by scheduling a dahlia tuber drive this spring.

“Our hope is that home gardeners can donate a few of their extra dahlia tubers from their flower beds to help Hmong flower growers get back on their feet,” said Nancy Hutto, chair of the King County Agriculture Commission.

Bulbs can also be dropped off prior to March 20 at the following locations:

• Pike Place Market – Public Development Authority Office, 206 682-7453;
• WSU Extension – 919 SW Grady Way, Suite 120, Renton;
• 21 Acres, 13701 NE 171 st, Woodinville; and
• WSU Extension – 7612 Pioneer Way E, Puyallup.

On April 14, tubers can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to noon at any of the following nurseries:

• Angelo’s Nursery – 2211 156 th Ave NE, Bellevue;
• Furney’s Nursery – 21215 Pacific Hwy S., Des Moines;
• Sky Nursery – 18528 Aurora Ave. N., Shoreline;
• Swanson’s Nursery – 9701 15 th Ave NW., Seattle; and
• Wells Medina Nursery – 8300 NE 24 th St., Medina.

Dahlia tubers can also be dropped off at Molbak’s Nursery on April 21. Molbak’s is at 13625 NE 175 th St., Woodinville. Molbak’s is supplying a storage unit where the dahlia tubers will be kept until distribution to the Hmong farmers later this spring.

Both single and clumped bulbs will be accepted, and tubers should have their color tagged, if known. Soil from home gardens can bring unwanted pests and diseases into commercial nurseries, so please drop off donated tubers at the designated location before roaming through the nursery.