The process of selecting plants for a garden project often involves a choice between convenience and economy. The term “flat of flowers” is a common unit of sale at nurseries and garden centers. This container represents the most cost-effective way to purchase a high volume of small plants. Understanding this standard unit is the first step toward a successful gardening season.
Defining the Standard Flat
A flat of flowers is a shallow, rectangular plastic tray designed to transport and sell multiple young plants, such as annual flowers or vegetable starts. This container is frequently referred to as a “standard 1020,” referencing its approximate dimensions of 21 inches long by 9.5 inches wide. The number of plants contained within a single flat is not fixed; it depends on the size of the individual containers, or “packs,” it holds.
Gardeners often encounter flats containing multiple small cell-packs, typically with four or six divisions per pack. A common configuration features eight four-packs (32 plants) or six six-packs (36 plants). For smaller varieties like pansies or petunias, the count can reach 48 or even 72 individual plants, while flats for more mature plants may hold fewer. The flat acts as a unified carrier for these smaller units, facilitating easy handling and watering before transplanting.
When Buying in Bulk Makes Sense
Choosing to buy flowers in a flat is primarily an economic decision for gardeners undertaking large-scale projects. The cost per plant in a flat is significantly lower than purchasing the same number of flowers in individual pots or smaller multi-packs. This saving makes flats the preferred choice when a large quantity of plants is needed to create a uniform visual impact.
Flats are ideally suited for filling expansive flower beds, creating continuous borders, or for mass plantings intended to cover a significant area. Purchasing in bulk ensures the gardener has enough material to achieve a cohesive design and consistent color scheme. This method provides the volume necessary for high-density planting, which helps achieve a lush, full appearance quickly.
Handling and Planting Your New Flowers
The transition from the flat to the garden requires careful attention to the plant’s root system to ensure successful growth. Before planting, ensure the flat is well-watered so the soil stays cohesive and reduces transplant shock. Individual plants must be separated, either by popping them out of their cell-packs or, if grown in a solid block of soil, by using a knife to cut square sections.
Once removed, inspect the roots for signs of being tightly bound or circling the soil ball, a common condition in small containers. To promote outward growth, matted roots must be gently loosened or lightly scored with a fingernail or small tool. This disruption encourages the roots to branch out and establish themselves quickly in the garden soil.
After placing the plant in the prepared hole, firm the soil gently around the base and water the area thoroughly. Watering eliminates air pockets and settles the roots. For the first week, keep the newly transplanted flowers consistently moist, as their small root systems dry out rapidly.