Hardy Perrenial plugs

Orange_King

I have over 300 supposedly hardy perrenials potted up for next year, the majority being recently purchased plugs from T&M.

Some of them have come on well so far in 4 weeks and are rooting through the bottom of the pots while others aren't so far advanced. Hopeful someone can advise if all of these should be kept under cover as the temperatures drop at night or would it be safe for some to be planted out now?

The plants concerned are carnations, delphiniums, gaillardia, lavender, echinacea, foxglove, poppy, silene, scabiosa and delphinium for example.

:beer:

blossomhill_2

T&M usually send a very detailed pamphlet of care instructions with any plants - did you get one?

I know a bit about lavender and would advise keeping in a pot for the first year if the leaves are fresh and green looking, but can be outside in a cold frame or under a bit of shelter, or on a slab of polystyrene if you cant do those

madjackslam

In theory this is a great time for planting out. Soil is warm, and plants will get roots established for next year. They will also need less care from you over the winter. If they are rooting through the bottom they could do with potting on or planting out.

But, given that you have more than 300(!) might it be worth hedging your bets - planting half and keeping half in a cold frame? Then you'll know for the future.

Orange_King

That sounds like a good plan! Just need to find space for 100 or so of them now! :eek:

blossomhill_2

Have you got room to make plunge bed for the rest?

Orange_King

What a great idea - I have the raised bed going free for the most part until March time possibly. Many thanks for this - never saw this suggestion before!

blossomhill_2

Happy to help - it is a method that is going out of fashion but is also useful say for when going on holiday as it reduces the extremes of temperature in summer too, and the plants can reach soil under the pots if they need to - tends to be used mainly for alpines these days but I have used it in a weekend horti club where we didn't want to have to pop in weekdays to water the cuttings