Shipping & Delivery
Where does Sunshine Valley Garden ship?
We ship throughout the United States, excluding Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
How long does it take for my order to ship?
Shipping times vary depending on the product and season. Seeds are generally available year-round, while bulbs and bare-root plants are shipped according to seasonal availability. Estimated shipping information is provided with each listing.
How are plants and bulbs packaged for shipping?
Our plants and bulbs are carefully inspected and packaged to help protect them during transit. Most of our plants are freshly dug and shipped bare root, without soil.
What should I do when my plants or bulbs arrive?
We recommend planting immediately upon arrival. Our freshly dug plants and bulbs should not be stored for extended periods. Please refer to our Growing Guides for specific planting instructions.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your order and delivery location. You will see the shipping cost before completing your purchase.
Seeds & Germination
Are your seeds fresh?
Yes! Our seeds are harvested from plants grown at Sunshine Valley Garden. We hand-pick, dry, and sort our seeds before packaging them for sale.
Are your seeds grown without pesticides?
Yes! At Sunshine Valley Garden, we grow our flowers naturally without the use of pesticides. Our seeds are hand-harvested from our gardens, carefully dried, and sorted before packaging.
Why do some seed packets contain plant material?
Because our seeds are hand-picked and sorted, some packets may contain small amounts of natural plant chaff. This is normal and does not affect seed quality or germination.
How long do seeds take to germinate?
Germination times vary depending on the flower variety, growing conditions, temperature, and moisture. Some seeds germinate within days, while others may take several weeks or longer.
Do your seeds require cold stratification?
Some perennial flower seeds require a period of cold, moist conditions to help break dormancy. Please refer to our Growing Guides for instructions specific to your seed variety.
How should I store seeds until planting?
Store seeds in a cool, dry, dark location away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture until you are ready to plant.
Do you guarantee seed germination?
We carefully harvest, handle, and package our seeds. However, germination depends on planting methods, weather, soil conditions, and proper care. Because these factors are outside our control, we cannot guarantee germination.
Bulbs & Bare-Root Plants
Are your plants grown in a greenhouse?
No. Our plants are grown outdoors in the ground at Sunshine Valley Garden in Missouri. They experience natural seasonal growing conditions before being dug and prepared for shipping.
What does bare root mean?
Bare-root plants are shipped without soil or containers. Our plants are freshly dug, carefully prepared, and packaged for shipping. This allows customers to plant them directly into their gardens.
Why does my plant have yellow or dying foliage?
Some yellowing or dying foliage is normal after plants are dug, divided, or shipped. Plants may also be entering their natural dormancy period. This does not necessarily mean the roots or bulbs are unhealthy.
Will my plants or bulbs bloom the first year?
Not always. Some plants and bulbs need time to establish their root systems after transplanting. Depending on the variety and planting season, flowering may not occur until the following growing season.
Why haven't my bulbs started growing?
Many bulbs naturally go dormant during certain times of the year. Fall-planted bulbs may not produce visible growth until spring. This is normal and does not necessarily indicate a problem.
Can I grow my bulbs and bare-root plants in containers?
Some varieties can be grown successfully in containers, but many perform best when planted directly in the ground. Please refer to the Growing Guides for recommendations specific to your plant variety.
When should I plant my order?
We recommend planting freshly dug bulbs and bare-root plants immediately upon arrival. Proper planting helps prevent the roots and bulbs from drying out and allows them to begin establishing in their new location.
Preorders & Seasonal Availability
What is a preorder?
A preorder allows customers to purchase plants or bulbs before they are ready to ship. This helps reserve your selections for the upcoming planting season.
When will my preorder ship?
Preorders ship during the designated shipping season, when weather and growing conditions are suitable. Estimated shipping dates are provided in each product listing.
Why are some plants only available seasonally?
At Sunshine Valley Garden, our plants are grown naturally outdoors in Missouri. Availability depends on the growing season, plant dormancy, and weather conditions. Unlike greenhouse-grown plants, our inventory follows nature's schedule.
Can I order plants during the winter?
Yes! Selected plants and bulbs may be available for preorder during the winter months. These orders will ship during the appropriate planting season rather than immediately.
Will my seeds and preorder plants ship separately?
Yes! In-stock seeds are shipped promptly after purchase, while preorder plants and bulbs ship during their designated shipping season. If your order contains both, items will be shipped separately as they become available.
Can shipping dates change due to weather?
Yes. Because our plants are field-grown, unusually cold, wet, hot, or dry conditions may affect digging and shipping schedules. We prioritize plant health and will communicate significant shipping delays when necessary.
Returns, Refunds & Order Issues
What is your return policy?
At Sunshine Valley Garden, we accept returns on plants and bulbs within 7 days of delivery and seeds within 30 days of delivery.
Customers are responsible for return shipping costs. Please contact us before returning any items so we can provide return instructions.
If an item arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us so we can help resolve the issue.
What if my order arrives damaged?
We take great care in packaging our products for shipping. If your order arrives damaged, please contact Sunshine Valley Garden as soon as possible with your order number and photos of the damaged items so we can help resolve the issue.
What if I receive the wrong item?
If you receive an incorrect item, please contact us with your order number and a description of the issue. We will work with you to correct the mistake.
Do you offer refunds or replacements?
Customer satisfaction is important to us. If there is a problem with your order, please contact us so we can review the situation and determine whether a refund or replacement is appropriate.
Can I return plants, bulbs, or seeds?
Please contact us before returning any items. Due to the perishable nature of live plants and bulbs, return eligibility may vary. If a return is approved, we will provide instructions.
What if my package is delayed or missing?
If your package is delayed, please check the tracking information provided with your order. If tracking indicates a delivery problem or your package appears lost, contact us so we can assist you.
How can I contact Sunshine Valley Garden?
You can reach us by email at SunshineValleyGarden@gmail.com or through the Contact Us page on our website. We are happy to assist with questions about your order, plants, or growing instructions.