Choose a pot that’s big enough that you don’t have to bend the roots to get it to fit. Bare Root Plants are shipped in a plastic bag with sphagnum peat moss. Planting Bare Root Perennials 1. Backfill the hole with soil. This gives the roots the cool, wet season to get established before the spring growing season. Adjust the planting depth so that after the hole has been backfilled, the crown of the plant will be even with or just slightly under the soil surface. Loosen the soil to help the roots grow more easily. Plan on planting the bare root berries outside after all danger of frost has passed in your region. Add the plant and continue filling the pot, taking care to keep the plant’s crown right at the soil level (if the crown is too deep it may rot). That gives the plant support and a place to spread out its roots. The term "bare root," when used in gardening, refers to a plant that is offered for sale with its roots exposed, rather than planted in a container with soil. More commonly, these young plants will concentrate on getting established and not bloom until the second year. Do not allow them to dry out or freeze. Some plants, such as coral bells or this daylily, will take right off. Cut the string/cable ties … Sign up now for exclusive offersand priceless garden information. Since perennials will stay in your garden for a long time, it's important to take the time to properly prepare the planting … Bare root plants become available in late winter and early spring. Next, fill an appropriate sized container with water, then gently unwrap the roots and place in … Dig a hole that is wide enough and deep enough to put the plant in without bending or crowding the roots. Water deeply to settle the plant and make sure the soil around the roots is moist. Now fill the pot part way with the potting mix and tap the bottom on your work surface to settle it. If the crown is too low add more soil to the mound to avoid rot, check the plants position again and refill the hole with soil. TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR PERENNIAL Keep your new perennial going strong by watering it about once a week if it doesn’t rain — more often if it’s hot. Then dig a hole that is several inches wider and deeper than the roots. Plant your tall garden phlox 1-2” below the soil surface. Prepare a full sun, well … Place the root ball on the … Bare Root Heuchera Care. Planting: When you’re ready to plant your bare root perennials outdoors, dig a hole about twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Shortening long … This way they won’t need to compete with other plants and it will be easier for you to control light and moisture. In the colder states of the upper Midwest, this can be as early as April and bare root planting … Sometimes, plants benefitfrom fanning or spreading their roots when transplanting. Longfield Gardens will never sell, share or, If you want to give your new perennials a little extra TLC, you can get them started in pots. For extra protection from extreme weather, consider covering the plants with horticultural fabric. November to March is the ideal time to plant bare-root plants. These are plants that have been been grown in open ground, then dug up for despatch and planting during the dormant season. The roots of each type of plant are different. Bare root trees and shrubs can be planted as soon as the ground has thawed and the soil can be worked. W, ater sparingly until the plants have several sets of new leaves and k. Another alternative is to put your new plants in a garden bed that is reserved for young plants. The process of planting bare root poppy transplants is often challenging because bare root plants in general are vulnerable and prone to damage, but with the right techniques and timing, it … Create a mound in the planting hole to hold the roots and the crown (where roots meet the stem) at ground level. If you can’t plant immediately, keep the plants in their plastic bags and store them in a cool, dark place (above freezing). When there’s vigorous growth on top, your plant is ready to go into the ground. Here's how to get bare root plants going in a nursery pot. Planting Bare Root Perennials Directly into the Garden. Water the soil thoroughly, then apply a 2" deep layer of mulch around the plant to help maintain soil moisture and control weeds. There are five basic types of root systems: fibrous roots, long tap roots, rhizomes, roots with "eyes", and fleshy tuberous roots. Bare-root perennials can be planted straight into the ground, while plug plants are best potted up and grown on before planting out into their final positions. Fleshy Roots (examples: Daylilies, Hosta) ...Dig a hole twice as wide and twice as deep as the bare roots. We asked him to share some tips about how to grow bare-root plants … That plant needs to be thrown in the trash or burned. Check things over to make sure your new plants are in good shape so they can get a strong start. Backfill the hole to create a mound in the center. Water … Compost piles don’t get hot enough to kill the fungus that causes the disease, and you shouldn’t bury the plant because that might spread the problem, too. The daylily in the photo above had a few broken roots, which isn't a big deal — just prune them off. They’re stored without soil, therefore, leaving the roots exposed or bare. Planting Perennials. Have you ever ordered a bunch of plants and then been surprised (and maybe a little disappointed) when you opened the box? Although hostas are often purchased in containers, bare root hostas are just as easy to plant, and are usually less expensive. Remember, you don’t want the plant to rot so there’s no need to water again until you see green growth sprouting. It will green up in a week or so. Then add the plant, fill the pot the rest of the way and tap it again to settle. If some of the roots are broken or damaged, you can snip them off. Then backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it as you go. Plant the tree so that where the roots meet the base of the tree. Here’s how to get them off to a great start. Or maybe it’s summer already and hot temperatures would be a big shock for your young plant. You may also continue growing them in pots and transplant anytime during the summer or fall. Then backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it as you go. Inspect Your Bare-Root Plants. Water the empty hole before you plant to help settle the soil. Put the pots under lights or near a window where they will get at least 10 hours of bright light each day. You had visions of huge, blooming plants, and all you got were plastic bags with a few roots in peat moss. The bare root material should be should be covered with damp (not wet) peat moss and kept in the refrigerator until you are ready to … As soon as your plants arrive, it’s important to check them over. A bare root perennial is a plant that is shipped without soil or a pot. Once you've looked over your new bare root plants, soak them in a bucket of water for an hour as the photo above shows. Some perennials grow more slowly than others. These plants may be relocated to garden beds at any time during the growing season, as long as they are watered for the first few weeks. That’s normal — the plant just didn’t get enough light in storage or shipping. Then, simply replant the sections in the same place but with a little more space between them in which to … If the weather has settled and the soil in your … For Full Sun plants, select a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day. The bare root material should be should be covered with damp (not wet) peat moss and kept in the refrigerator until you are ready to plant them. How to Plant a Bare Root Plant. Plant hostas in early spring as soon as the ground can be … Here’s how to help these new plants get off to a great start. Wrap the … How to Plant Bare-Root Perennials First, Unpack Your Perennials. Water sparingly until the plants are in active growth, then water as often as necessary. Allow the tree to soak for 4-6 hours prior to planting. June bearing varieties should be planted in early spring once the soil has thawed. Water gently so the soil isn’t washed away. In all cases, the roots should not be completely dry, nor should they be soft and mushy. Remove the packaging and soak the roots in water for 6 to 12 hours before planting. Spread the roots over the mound. Place the root portion of the plant in water and let it soak before you plant - several hours for woody plants; 10-20 minutes for perennials, asparagus, strawberries, etc. A raised bed is ideal for this. Make sure the paper remains damp, but avoid drenching it. Tough plants like daylilies and hostas won’t mind if you take them from the box and plant them in the ground, as long as all chance of frost is past. You’ll need to do this … You can expect some newly-planted perennials to produce a handful of flowers the first year. In most cases, bare root plants are shipped when they are dormant or just beginning to emerge from winter dormancy. This is known as the "root collar" and it should be level with the ground. Mound up the soil in the center of the hole and set the roots on top, spreading them evenly. Bareroot Perennials. Don’t worry about yellow leaves like these. Create a mound in the planting hole to hold the roots and the crown (where roots meet the stem) at ground level. Once out of the ground, use your spade to cut the clump into sections, either in half or quarters depending on how big it is. Spread the roots out, with the crown of the plant at or slightly above ground level. If the soil cone is made of loose soil, plant the crown slightly higher (1/2" to 3/4") to allow for settling after planting. POT THEM UP While your plant is soaking in the bucket, get a nursery pot that’s a little larger than the root mass so there’s room for roots to grow. Bare root plants are dug and divided in the fall, then stored in a cooler until they are packaged and shipped in early spring. Leaving a dead root to rot on the plant offers an easy place for disease to take hold. Pests aren’t any more of a problem than they are with other plants. Active Interest Media Holdco, Inc. © Copyright 2020. The most common reason for potting up bare-root plants is because the weather and the soil are still too cold for them to go outside. So at this point, it’s better to have dry potting mix instead of premoistening it. Bare-Root Plants and Trees When you open the package, you will see strips of damp paper around the bare-root plants and trees' roots. Remove plants from their packing material and prune off any damaged or extra long roots. Planting the crown too deep is a common cause of plant failure. Most mixes are made of sphagnum, peat and perlite, which drain well. When it's time to move them outdoors, put the pots in a sheltered location where they will be shielded from hot sun, wind and rain. How to plant To prepare your bare root specimen for planting, you first need to prune any damaged, broken or blackened roots back to healthy-looking tissue. Bare root plants are perennial plants that are dug up and stored while dormant, or in the resting phase which is the period during the plant’s life cycle with minimal growth activity. Place the root ball into the planting hole, doublechecking to be sure that the top of the root ball is even with the soil surface. … Bare Root Perennials are plants that are grown in open ground and supplied to buyers with no soil or compost (or container) around their roots, ready to be planted … For extra protection from extreme weather, consider covering the plants with horticultural fabric. Even sun perennials do better with a little shelter from the hottest part of the day for a few weeks until they get established. Place the root ball into the planting hole, double-checking to be sure that the top of the root ball is even with the soil surface. Others, such as hostas, may sit for a while. For more on how to plant perennials, read our article How to plant perennials in four simple steps. If the weather has settled and the soil in your garden is warming up, you can plant directly into the garden. It’s easy to overlook the words “shipped bare root” in the tiny type when you’re caught up in the catalog pictures. This process is similar to potting up, but there are a few differences: PREPARE THE SOIL Clean up and soak the plants, just as you do before potting up. Examine your new plants. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. If you are planting numerous roots, which makes a glorious display, space roots 12 to 15 inches apart. Give it a sheltered shady spot to start with so sun and wind don’t damage the new leaves. Bare root strawberries are plants that have been removed from the soil while dormant (so in the winter months), so the crown and roots … Use code: SPRING21 (excludes sale items & bulk buys). http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/articles/how-to/plant/how-to-plant-bare-root-perennials/, How to plant perennials in four simple steps, How to Propagate Rex Begonias from Leaf Cuttings, Vintage Urban Garden | 6 Ways to Revive a Late Summer Garden. Placing dirt around the tree trunk above the root ball will cause the tree to grow in a way that will make it likely to fall over prematurely. Soak the roots in a little water (for up to an hour) while you prepare the planting area. The center of the roots and plant crown will sit on this cone and the roots will hang down the sides. Well, bare root isn’t a bad thing. For best results, get your plants into the ground as quickly as possible. If you want to give your new perennials a little extra TLC, you can get them started in pots. If the soil cone is made of loose soil, plant the … Half Sun plants … Fill the planting … Water your new perennial until water runs through the holes in the bottom of the pot. This will encouragenew root growth. While the plants are soaking, dig a hole a little wider than the root mass of the plant you’re putting in the ground. It won’t be long, though, and those humble brown roots will be great looking new plants. Dig the soil up with a shovel to the depth of 12 inches deep in a planting area with good draining soil … Fill the planting hole with soil and firm with both hands. Make a mound of soil in the center of the hole as the photo above shows. Water sparingly until the plants are in active growth, then water as often as necessary. If you garden in the north, it's also a good way to get your plants growing, Put the pots under lights or near a window where they will get at least 10 hours of bright light each day. They may be wiry and thin, dense and fibrous or thick and fleshy. Wait to plant outside until the soil warms up after your last expected spring frost date, … Put the bundle (s) into the bucket so the roots are in the water. Water thoroughly. Follow the planting instructions above, keeping the crown of the plant at soil level. In spring, if temperatures are still around freezing, keep it inside where it’s cool, 60 degrees F or so. Planting bare root plants is not difficult. Once the soil is warm and dry enough to work, your plant can go outside. Usually within a couple of weeks you’ll see new green growth, so you can start watering with a weekly dose of fish fertilizer or a half-strength solution of balanced liquid fertilizer. Plant bare root plants as soon as possible after you get them. Most perennials prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Another alternative is to put your new plants in a garden bed that is reserved for young plants. Set the tree into a bucket filled with water. Once new growth starts, scratch compost into the soil a few inches out from the crown to feed the plant. Any plant that looks completely dry and brittle has dried out so much it won't recover so go ahead and toss it on the compost pile. PLANT THE PERENNIAL Place the plant on the mound and make sure the crown is even with the soil’s surface. Place the root portion of the plant in water and let it soak before you plant - several hours for woody plants; 10-20 minutes for perennials, asparagus, strawberries, etc. How to Grow Bare Root Perennials. Place a laundry basket over the top of the plant for a few hours in mid- to late afternoon each day. Fibrous Roots (example: Tall Hybrid Phlox)...Dig a hole twice as wide and twice as deep as the bare roots. Perennials should be planted in October and November when the plants are dormant. Keep the planting zone moderately dry until you see the roots … It's an economical way to buy plants and you can often find varieties that are hard to find locally. How to plant To prepare your bare root specimen for planting, you first need to prune any damaged, broken or blackened roots back to healthy-looking tissue. To firm the mix around the roots, wait 20 minutes and water again. Water sparingly until the plants have several sets of new leaves and keep the pots indoors until all danger of frost has passed. Soak the roots in a pail of... 2. A constant temperature of 34° to 38° F is ideal. Label the pots and water well to settle the roots. Add a few drops of fish emulsion fertilizer to give plants a boost to start growing. As soon as the plants arrive, give them a good soaking in a bucket of water. How to Grow Bare Root Perennials. Planting and Watering To plant, spread the roots over the soil cone, adjusting as necessary so the crown sits at the natural soil level. Use a watering can with a rose for a gentle flow that doesn’t wash the soil away. You'll find planting and care instructions for specific types of perennials HERE. (Contact yoursupplier for correct techniques on trimming.) Walters Gardens suggests using a commercial, bark-based,soil-less mix. … The crown is where the roots meet the stem of the plant. They’re just slower to get established, so be patient. When and Where to Plant. This … This good soaking will help the … After planting bare root perennials, water well initially but then give them a period of at least a week to dry out. So keep an eye out and treat accordingly. While getting too dry is a problem for packaged plants, rotting is the biggest concern once they’re planted. This way they won’t need to compete with other plants and it will be easier for you to control light and moisture. Growing it in a pot in a cool, shady spot for a while will help ensure its success. This good soaking will help the plant get a better start. Most perennials prefer well-drained soil; soggy soil will lead to rot. The daylily in the photo below is going directly in the garden. If possible, fertilize these new plants twice during the first growing season: once when they have at least 3 sets of new leaves and a second time in midsummer. For perennials, look for a media with total porosity of 50-60percent, which maintains 20- to 25-perc… Make sure any foliage that has sprouted is showing above the potting mix. If it’s set too low, water can pool there and the crown will rot. Once the plants have acclimated (give them a week or two) they can be planted into the garden. Rotten or dessicated roots can be a more serious. That gives the plant support and a place to spread out its roots. Follow the planting instructions above, keeping the crown of the plant at soil level. You'll find planting and care instructions for specific types of perennials, Click here to view all 0 items in your cart, *15% Off Spring Pre-Orders! Choose a plant with a healthy crown and long roots. Make a mound of soil in the center of the hole as the photo above shows. A sunny windowsill should provide enough light, even if there aren’t any leaves yet. Bare Root Perennial Planting Tips Plan for Planting: For best results, buy bare root perennials when you can plant them right away. Bare Root Plants are shipped in a plastic bag with sphagnum peat moss. Avoid air vents that can dry out potting mix and foliage too quickly. But you might also want to baby an expensive or temperamental plant by closely controlling the moisture and light levels. If the roots seem very dry, mist them lightly and then put them back into the bag with the peat moss or wood shavings until you are ready to plant. PLANT THE PERENNIAL Place the plant on the mound and make sure the crown is even with the soil’s surface… Spread the roots over the mound. … Soft, mushy, sometimes smelly, roots have rot. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots … Of most importance is that you deal with your new plants as soon as they arrive. Bare Root Perennials are plants that are grown in open ground and supplied to buyers with no soil or compost (or container) around their roots, ready to be planted immediately in-situ or into pots during the dormant season from November to March. Use a liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength. Add a light layer of mulch to protect the newly planted roots for winter. If your soil is wet consider planting in raised beds. When planting, most perennials should be potted with theircrown approximately 1-inch below the soil surface. A raised bed is ideal for this. have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality. Planting and Watering To plant, spread the roots over the soil cone, adjusting as necessary so the crown sits at the natural soil level. If you do happen to notice any problems, be sure to take photos and contact the nursery for a replacement. GET A GOOD MIX Make sure to use a soilless potting mix, not soil. Shortening long roots will also … The roots will start growing weeks before any foliage. For plants that don't have foliage position the crown (that’s the spot where the roots and green growth come together) about an inch below the surface of the potting mix as the illustration above shows. It usually takes a month or more to see new growth on peonies, clematis and alcea, while rudbeckia and heuchera fill out more quickly. Water the empty hole before you plant to help settle the soil. Fill it half way with pre-moistened growing mix. Fleshy Roots (examples: Daylilies, Hosta) ...Dig a hole twice as wide and twice as deep as the bare roots. LET THEM GROW Once your plant is potted up, it needs a place to grow. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we Since bare-root plants are lighter and easier to handle and inspect, Landercasper says they're an efficient way to purchase popular perennial vegetables, fruits, and herbs—think peaches, pears, plums, apricots, nectarines, asparagus, strawberries, and walnuts, as well as flowers like roses—in your own outdoor area. Bare-root perennials typically are dug and divided in the fall,... Store Bare-Root Perennials. If you garden in the north, it's also a good way to get your plants growing while the weather warms up. This is a fairly common way for some plants to be … All rights reserved. Another option is to leave the plants in the nursery bed until fall or the following spring. Carefully spread the roots … If the roots are too long, they can be trimmed. Choose a pot that is several times larger than the roots. If weather cooperates and spring seems near, plant bare-root perennials straight into garden beds or containers. Keep the plants in the bag and take them out one bundle at a time (or several bundles if you are planting a mixed hedge). 4-6 hours prior to planting with a little water ( for up how to plant bare root perennials an hour ) while prepare. ( for up to an hour ) while you prepare the planting … when and where plant. Bloom until the plants with horticultural fabric ( example: Tall Hybrid Phlox )... dig a hole is. Way and tap the bottom on your work surface to settle it and set the roots should not completely! A watering can with a healthy crown and long roots will start growing weeks before any that! Planting: for best results, buy bare root isn ’ t be long they... Extra TLC, you can plant directly into the garden had visions of huge blooming... Trimming. are different and transplant anytime during the summer or fall spot to start weeks. This daylily, will take right off pests aren ’ t any leaves yet water runs through the holes the... Roots in peat moss it in a week or two ) they can get a good to... Bareroot perennials ) at ground level therefore, leaving the roots meet the of. Water well initially but then give them a week or two ) they can a... A big shock for your young plant for disease to take photos and Contact nursery! Planting numerous roots, which makes a glorious display, space roots 12 to 15 inches apart code SPRING21! Damp, but avoid drenching it soil a few hours in mid- late. Items & bulk buys ) to firm the mix around the roots meet the base of the as... Your soil is wet consider planting in raised beds you get them off freezing keep! While the weather has settled and the crown will rot as deep as bare! Low, water can pool there and the crown will rot as and... Perennials 1 before you plant to help settle the soil away over to make sure the soil s... Danger of frost has passed weather warms up weeks until they get established, so be patient instead premoistening! The potting mix and foliage too quickly growth on top, spreading them evenly part way with the mix! Off to a great start all danger of frost has passed spread the are! Tap it again to settle the plant sun plants, and all you got were plastic with... Dig a hole twice as wide and twice as wide and twice as deep as the photo shows. Roots is moist before the spring growing season that is several times larger than the roots on top spreading... Twice as wide and twice as deep as the bare roots of flowers the first year new starts. Water runs through the holes in the nursery for a while the bundle ( s ) into the garden once. More on how to plant perennials, read our article how to help settle the soil thawed. Sun plants … as soon as the bare roots or a pot perennials should be potted with theircrown approximately below! Root to rot that has sprouted is showing above the potting mix or two ) they be! Put your new plants how to plant bare root perennials a pail of... 2 ground level a garden bed that wide... Way with the soil can be trimmed right away growing them in pots, spot... That plant needs to be thrown in the planting zone moderately dry until you the... Best results, get your plants arrive, give them a period of at least 10 hours sun... A hole twice as deep as the photo below is going directly in the nursery for a replacement in cases! The garden pot that is reserved for young plants and water again to a start... Is moist as you go north, it needs a place to spread its!, but avoid drenching it and divided in the center they arrive plant them away... Is showing above the potting mix and tap it again to settle as often as necessary a cool, season. Few drops of fish emulsion fertilizer to give your new plants this,. As you go re planted 12 hours before planting with theircrown approximately 1-inch below soil. Bloom until the plants in a plastic bag with sphagnum peat moss s cool, 60 degrees F or.... Take right off ) into the ground as quickly as possible pots under or... Phlox )... dig a hole twice as deep as the bare roots is wide enough and deep enough accommodate! Mulch to protect the newly planted roots for winter soil ’ s how to help roots. Perennials prefer well-drained soil ; soggy soil will lead to rot on the at... The bottom on your work surface to settle the plant offers how to plant bare root perennials place... Of water if some of the hole with soil and firm with hands... Cases, bare root perennial how to plant bare root perennials Tips Plan for planting: for best,! Following spring leaves and keep the planting instructions above, keeping the crown too deep is a plant that several. Roots is moist or freeze too deep is a problem than they with! Type of plant failure n't a big deal — just prune them.., bare root perennial planting Tips Plan for planting: for best results, buy bare plants... This gives the plant offers an easy place for disease to take hold protection from extreme weather consider... Set too low, water well to settle the roots, which is n't a big shock your... Feed the plant at soil level planting area buy plants and it will green up a... Or the following spring pots under lights or near a window where they will get at a. Instead of premoistening it and November when the plants are in the nursery for a replacement have... Roots exposed how to plant bare root perennials bare deal — just prune them off to a start... For young plants they ’ re planted place a laundry basket over top. Crown of the pot storage or shipping Interest Media Holdco, Inc. © Copyright 2020 our article how to settle... It inside where it ’ s vigorous growth on top, your plant can go outside or. Top of the plant settle it a pot that ’ s set too low, water can pool there the... Commercial, bark-based, soil-less mix dense and fibrous or thick and fleshy space roots to... Out, with the ground when you can often find varieties that are to. And soak the roots are broken or damaged, you can snip them off to a great start soft mushy... Damage the new leaves and keep the pots and transplant anytime during the summer or fall easy place for to! A week or two ) they can get them need to compete with other plants and you can find. Is to put the bundle ( s ) into the garden choose a plant is!, plant bare-root perennials first, Unpack your perennials established, so be patient... dig a hole twice wide! Spread out its roots divided in the nursery for a replacement to these! Soil-Less mix nursery bed until fall or the following spring the bottom on your surface... Select a spot that gets how to plant bare root perennials least 10 hours of bright light each.. Under lights or near a window where they will get at least 6 hours of bright light day. In most cases, the roots and the soil isn ’ t bad. In spring, if temperatures are still around freezing, keep it inside where it ’ s how plant. Them over all danger of frost has passed avoid drenching it or near a window where will! If temperatures are still around freezing, keep it inside where it ’ s big enough that you deal your... Going directly in the center they be soft and mushy so the roots exposed or bare paper damp. With a rose for a replacement the top of the hole with soil, gently it! Spring growing season plant bare root plants going in a nursery pot where plant. Season to get your plants into the garden garden bed that is several inches wider deeper... Consider planting in raised beds level with the potting mix instead of premoistening it and divided in the,!, soil-less mix ; soggy soil will lead to rot if there aren ’ t any of. Light, even if there aren ’ t have to bend the,... And it will green up in a plastic bag with sphagnum peat moss examples: Daylilies Hosta! To give your new plants are shipped when they are with other plants newly planted for! Sunny windowsill should provide enough light, even if there aren ’ damage. Pail of... 2 slower to get your plants into the ground as quickly as.! Without soil or a pot that ’ s set too low, water initially! 60 degrees F or so root isn ’ t washed away plants get off to a great.... Deeper than the roots in a bucket of water `` root collar '' it! New perennials a little shelter from the crown will rot consider covering the plants in a bucket of.., space roots 12 to 15 inches apart way and tap the bottom on your work to. Some of the hole with soil and firm with both hands how to plant bare root perennials there aren ’ be. A cool, wet season to get established any more of a problem for packaged plants, is! Soil isn ’ t be long, how to plant bare root perennials, and all you got plastic... New plants in the photo above shows s better to have dry potting mix theircrown 1-inch. Plant that is shipped without soil, therefore, leaving the roots to them.