A bare-root plant is a deciduous tree, shrub, or perennial that is dug up and shipped while fully dormant, without any soil surrounding its root system. This transport method is common because plants are lighter, easier to handle, and less expensive to ship. Temporary winter storage is necessary when plants arrive before the ground is thawed or workable, or when weather conditions prevent immediate outdoor placement. Successful storage requires maintaining deep dormancy, preventing roots from drying out, and protecting them from freezing or premature budding.
Initial Handling Upon Arrival
The moment a bare-root package arrives, it requires immediate attention to reverse any moisture loss that may have occurred during transit. Carefully open the packaging and inspect the roots, noting any that appear overly dry, shriveled, or broken. To rehydrate the plant tissues, submerge the entire root mass in a bucket of cool water for approximately one hour, though some sources suggest up to two hours is acceptable for extremely dry specimens. This ensures the roots are fully saturated before they are placed into their storage medium.
After the soak, examine the roots more closely and use clean, sharp shears to prune away any damaged or moldy sections. Make clean cuts just above the damaged area to encourage healthy growth and prevent the spread of fungus during storage. Lightly tip-prune the ends of the healthy roots, which can stimulate new root development when the plant is placed in the ground. The goal is to prepare a healthy, hydrated root system ready for a prolonged period of artificial dormancy.
Choosing and Preparing the Storage Medium
Selecting the correct medium is paramount to maintaining the delicate moisture balance required, preventing both desiccation and rot. Suitable materials include peat moss, fine wood shavings, or shredded newspaper, as these hold moisture well without becoming waterlogged. The medium must be dampened until it feels like a thoroughly wrung-out sponge; water should not drip freely when squeezed. This moisture level keeps the roots hydrated but discourages the growth of mold and bacteria.
The prepared medium should completely surround the roots to ensure no air pockets remain. For large plants, use a sturdy cardboard box or a clean plastic storage bin to hold the medium and roots. Smaller plants or bundles can be wrapped securely in thick plastic bags, ensuring the top growth remains outside the wrap to allow for air exchange. The packaging acts as a vapor barrier, stabilizing humidity around the roots and significantly reducing moisture loss over several weeks.
Selecting the Ideal Dormancy Location
The primary factor for successful long-term storage is consistent, cool temperature control to keep the plant dormant. The ideal temperature range is between 34 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 7 degrees Celsius), just above freezing. Temperatures below 32°F risk damaging the roots, while anything consistently above 45°F can cause the plant to break dormancy prematurely and sprout.
Viable storage locations include unheated basements, root cellars, or cold storage rooms that are insulated from external temperature swings. An unheated garage can work, but only if the temperature is reliably monitored to ensure it stays within the specified range and does not warm up on sunny days. For smaller quantities, such as berry bushes or perennials, plants can be placed in a refrigerator, provided they are kept away from ripening fruits and vegetables. Produce releases ethylene gas which can cause the stored roots to emerge from dormancy.
The chosen location must also remain dark to prevent the plant from perceiving light, which signals the end of dormancy. Consistent darkness, paired with low temperature, tricks the plant into believing winter is ongoing, preserving its stored energy until spring planting. Avoid locations near furnaces, water heaters, or south-facing windows to prevent inadvertent heat exposure and maintain the cool environment.
Ongoing Monitoring and Maintenance
Once the bare-root plants are secured in their medium and placed in the cool, dark location, they require monthly inspection. This check looks for signs of trouble that could compromise the plant’s health before planting season. Look for two opposing issues: desiccation and excessive moisture. Desiccation is indicated by shriveled roots that have lost their plump appearance, while excessive moisture is signaled by the presence of mold or a damp, musty odor.
If the storage medium feels dry, gently mist it with a spray bottle to restore the correct moisture level without soaking the roots. If light, fuzzy white or gray mold is detected, this indicates high humidity and poor air circulation. Temporarily remove the plants, air them out for a few hours in a cool, shaded area, and then repack them in slightly less dampened medium or a container with improved ventilation. If any buds begin to swell or turn green, the plant is breaking dormancy and must be planted immediately.