Simple Sensible Solutions

Bare Root
Scheduling delivery of your bare root perennials
As a grower, you know that timing is everything. Sometimes it takes
a little experimenting to figure out what works best in your specific
climate. To help take the guesswork out of finishing your bare root
perennials, we offer you some guidelines in our timing chart on p. 3.
Be sure to keep in mind that finish times vary by variety and growing
environment.
As a general rule for many perennials, schedule delivery of your
spring order in time to allow 6-10 weeks of growing time for 1-gal
containers in a cool 50-60°F greenhouse. If plants will be grown
outdoors with no frost protection, schedule delivery after risk of hard
frost has passed as it is important to keep plants from freezing.
What to do when your plants arrive
Step 1: Open the Boxes
When your order arrives, it is important to open all of the boxes and
transplant all of the roots as soon as possible. Be sure to have plant
labels on hand when potting to ensure correct identification. If you
are not able to transplant the roots immediately, they may be stored
in a cool (35-40°F) area for a limited time.
Step 2: Inspect the Roots
When you open the boxes, check the condition of the bare root
plants. They should be firm, relatively dry, and typically are light
brown in color. Since some bare root plants may have been stored
in freezers where humidity is present, light surface mold may
appear on some roots. It is not harmful to the plant and typically
disappears once the boxes are opened and good air circulation is
provided. It is not necessary to spray them with fungicide or remove
the surface mold, though some customers prefer to do so.
If any roots are still frozen, allow them to thaw slowly in a cool (40-
50°F) room before handling. Do not put them immediately into a
warm greenhouse. If the roots are dry, soak them in a tub of water
containing a small amount of soluble fertilizer for one hour before
potting. This will help the plants get established more quickly.
If you are concerned about the condition of the plants in your
shipment, contact your sales representative or broker or Walters
Gardens, Inc. immediately so the issue can be resolved quickly.
Step 3: Determine Planting Order
The highest priority for transplanting bare root perennials should be
given to all evergreen types such as Iberis, Lavandula, and Phlox
subulata. Since their foliage is evergreen, these types of perennials
can dessicate more quickly if left exposed. Those perennials which
have thick, fleshy roots can typically be held over a bit longer before
planting. However, remember to pot up all of your bare root material
as soon as possible after receipt.
Step 4: When You’ve Finished Planting
We highly recommend that you apply a broad spectrum fungicide
drench at the time of transplant to prevent crown and root rots. This
is an important step that may take time now, but will save you time
and money in the long run. After the drench has been applied, move
the newly potted plants into a cool 50-60°F location with high light
levels. Leave them there until roots have been established, and then
raise the temperature slightly or move them to a warmer
greenhouse to encourage top growth.
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