Transplanting Plants FAQ's

• How old are the plants when the customer receives them, and how large are the roots?
• What are the recommendations for planting transplants?
• When is the best time to plant transplants, spring or fall?
• Do newly planted plants need to be watered? How much and how often?
• Could you contrast the benefits of using plants versus seeds?

How old are the plants when the customer receives them, and how large are the roots?

Our Plants are 1 to 5 years old, but the root dimensions depend on the species of plant and the type of root:

• Corms and Bulbs: 1"-2" diameter with < 1" attached roots
  Examples: Liatris spp., Trilliums, Lilies, Wild Onions
• Tap root: 6"-9" long
  Examples: Leadplant, Butterflyweed, Pale Purple Coneflower, White False Indigo, Cream False Indigo, Blue False Indigo, Poppy Mallow, New Jersey Tea, Narrow-leaf Purple Coneflower, Lupine, Wild Quinine, Purple Prairie Clover, Compassplant, Prairie Dock
• Fibrous roots: 6"-10" long and wide
  All others
• Rhizomes*:
  Examples: Stiff Coreopsis, Cupplant, Queen of the Prairie, Canada Anemone, Fireweed, Showy Sunflower, Heath Aster, Downy Sunflower, Western Sunflower, Pennsylvania Sedge

*A modified root that stores nutrients, absorbs water, and can spread a plant

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What are the recommendations for planting transplants?

Refer to the transplanting instructions that you will receive when you have your order shipped to your home. Instructions are given for planting each type of root system.

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When is the best time to plant transplants, spring or fall?

Generally spring planting has more advantages than fall planting because:

• More time to adapt to a site before harsh winter weather
• Less prone to "frost-heaving"
• See the results of your efforts faster
• Easier to mark and keep track of what species you planted

Exceptions include spring bloomers

• Alum Root
• Lupine
• Beardtongue
• Ohio Spiderwort
• Birdsfoot Violet
• Pasque Flower
• Canada Anemone
• Prairie Smoke
• Columbine
• Shootingstar
• Foam Flower
• Slender Penstemon
• Golden Alexander
• White Ohio Spiderwort
• Heartleaf Golden Alexander
• Wild Geranium
• Jack in the Pulpit
• Wild Iris
• Jacob's Ladder

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Do newly planted plants need to be watered? How much and how often?

Yes, until they are well established. (usually 1-2 months). How much and how often...depends on the soil type and weather.

• Water when you notice that the soil is dry or the foliage just starts to wilt.
• Occasional deep soakings are better than frequent light waterings. This encourages deeper root growth.
• Sand needs more water than clay.
• DO NOT overwater clay soils...plants can drown!!

During the Second growing season, plants should be established, no regular watering is required.

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Could you contrast the benefits of using plants versus seeds?

Plants are better if you:

• Have a small area
• Want fast results
• Have a more generous budget

Seeds are better if you:

• Have a large area
• Have more patience to wait for results
• Have a smaller budget

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