A bare root is a plant that has been dug up whilst in a dormant state. Most fruit trees, roses and some perennials will be sent to the customer as a bare root. This keeps them in the best possible condition. Bare roots can look like ‘dead sticks!’ but they are very much alive.
Bare roots are sold with roots exposed, and not planted in a pot. Unfortunately not all plants can be sold this way, as they do not go into dormancy (e.g. evergreens). If a plant is in a pot the transportation costs will be more expensive. So it makes sense to try and keep costs down where possible.
It is important to keep bare roots moist during their dormancy, especially as they are exposed. This is why they will be shipped in a plastic bag and with some larger roots they can even be wrapped in damp hessian.
Advantages of a bare root
A bare root will have less transplant shock when planted in the garden; as it is dormant. This helps faster establishment in the garden than if a full blooming plant had been transplanted and there is less likelihood of failure.
When you receive your bare root
Soak them overnight in a bucket of water. You can add a plant starter solution, if you choose, as these contain fertiliser and vitamins. If you have any small bits of damage, make a clean cut as this will help the plant to recover quickly and fight off any possible fungal infection. The next step is to plant your bare root. It is important to prepare your soil for the planting of your bare root.
If it is not possible to plant out in the final position for an extended period of time, it is better to “heel in” the bare root into the soil in any part of the garden. This will preserve the root in its natural environment until you are ready. For a great selection of bare root trees and plants why not check out our bare root page?
Video guide to planting bare root plants
I have worked for Thompson & Morgan for nearly four years. In that time I have learnt lots about gardening, but consider myself very much a novice. I have started growing veg on a colleague’s allotment and also growing windowsill seeds such as Salad Leaves and Rocket. I love gaining more knowledge about horticulture and am lucky enough to work here.
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