Bare root plants are dormant specimens, such as trees, shrubs, or perennials, harvested from the field with no soil remaining on their root systems. This preparation allows plants to be bundled easily and shipped while they are in a state of suspended growth. Gardeners frequently choose bare root stock because it offers significant cost savings compared to potted plants, provides access to a wider selection of unique cultivars, and simplifies transport and planting.
Large Scale Online and Mail-Order Nurseries
National online retailers and traditional mail-order catalogs are a primary source for gardeners seeking a broad inventory of bare root stock. These vendors specialize in offering an extensive selection of varieties, including rare or heirloom cultivars that local garden centers do not typically carry. Ordering from specialty growers across the country provides access to plants suited for diverse regional microclimates and gardening goals.
The convenience of home delivery is a significant advantage, though shipping logistics require careful attention. While bare root plants are lightweight, keeping shipping costs lower than those for heavy potted stock, the expense can still be substantial depending on the distance and order size. Many large nurseries operate on a strict pre-ordering system, requiring customers to place orders in the late summer or fall to secure inventory for the following spring. This advance ordering guarantees the availability of high-demand varieties and helps the grower manage the volume of dormant stock.
Local and Community Purchasing Options
Local independent garden centers and nurseries are excellent sources for bare root material, offering a more immediate and hands-on experience. These local businesses often stock plants already adapted to the specific soil types and seasonal conditions of the immediate geographic area. Purchasing locally also offers the benefit of being able to physically inspect the bare root bundle before the purchase is finalized.
Agricultural extension offices and local conservation districts frequently host annual plant sales, providing bare root seedlings and whips, often focusing on native trees and shrubs. These community-focused sales are typically held for a limited time in the spring and offer plants at a lower price point, sometimes in bulk. While big box retailers also offer bare root plants, usually packaged in plastic or sawdust, the quality can be inconsistent due to variable handling and storage conditions. The selection at these larger stores tends to be limited to common, mass-produced varieties.
Criteria for Selecting a Quality Vendor
Regardless of whether a vendor is online or local, a thorough evaluation of their reputation and policies is advisable before purchasing bare root stock. Check customer reviews specifically related to the vendor’s bare root products, looking for consistent comments about the plant’s health upon arrival and the accuracy of the variety shipped. A reliable nursery offers a clear guarantee policy, which may range from a full refund to a replacement if the plant fails to break dormancy within the first growing season.
It is important to understand the terms, as some guarantees may cover only the cost of the plant and not the original shipping fee. Upon receiving or selecting the plant, the physical condition of the bare root material should be inspected closely. Healthy roots are generally pale (white or light tan), firm, and pliable, not brittle or mushy. A quick viability check, known as the scratch test, involves gently scraping the bark near the base; a healthy dormant plant will reveal a thin layer of green tissue underneath.
For bare root trees and shrubs, the caliper, or diameter of the trunk, measures the plant’s maturity and health. Industry standards measure the caliper of smaller nursery stock six inches above the root flare. A thicker caliper often indicates a more robust root system capable of supporting vigorous top growth. The packing material around the roots, such as peat moss or shredded paper, should be uniformly moist, indicating the plant has been properly stored and has not dried out.
Understanding the Bare Root Ordering Timeline
The purchasing process for bare root plants is dictated by the plant’s natural state of dormancy during the colder months. To secure the best selection of varieties, ordering should take place in the late fall or early winter, well before the spring planting rush. Shipping or local pickup occurs later, timed to coincide with the appropriate planting window for the customer’s specific climate zone, typically in the early spring before the buds begin to swell.
This precise timing ensures the plant is installed while dormant, allowing the root system to establish itself before the plant expends energy on top growth. Upon receiving the material, prompt planting is necessary to prevent the roots from drying out. If immediate planting is not possible due to weather or soil conditions, the plant must be temporarily stored by “heeling in.” This process involves burying the roots in a trench or container filled with moist soil, sand, or mulch and keeping the plant in a cool, shaded area until it can be permanently situated.