plug plants

Hi Everyone,

There are a couple of perennials that I intend to buy as plug plants - my question is when should I buy them. Delivery is within 28 days but I'm worried that if I buy them now I won't be able to plant them out until the last of the frosts.

Should I wait or is it safe to order and put them in the ground?

 

Most plugs are too small to risk going straight outside anyway, as they tend to be very, very young and vulnerable to everything.

If you have room, I'd buy them now and then pot them up individually, and let them grow on a bit indoors or in a greenhouse until mid to late spring, by which time they should be ready to fend for themselves.

 

Totally agree with clueless. It's what I do, viz., buy small plants now, pot up, then pot up again few weeks' time. Keep them in greenhouse. You will be surprised at how much they will grow come spring.

 

Thank you clueless and verdun!

When you say keep them in the greenhouse, do you mean a heated one as mine is unheated

 

Depends what they are. Some plants that can stand the cold even when young will be fine in an unheated greenhouse (but bring them in if it is forecast to get really bitter). Others are bit more soft.

What plants are they?

 

Hi Clueless

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
Day Lilies
Caryopteris clandonensis Heavenly Blue
Leucanthemum Old Court

 

I don't really know much about any of them except possibly the last one. I have loads of leucanthemum (not sure which variety though), and its virtually indestructible.

 

Hi Auntpol
I would leave it until the end of Feb before your order - let the Nursery keep them for you . I would pot up as above , and keep in the house until late March . Not many of us have heated greenhouses ! But if it gets chilly you may need a paraffin heater in the GH .

 

No, all those plants are safe in unheated greenhouse. Buy now whilst cheap....hope they are, should be,......and pot up as I said before. If worried cover with fleece in greenhouse. If you wait you will pay more but still get small plugs but a later batch. Trust me, get them and grow them on now.

 

Hi Everyone,
Thanks so much for all the help - it is truly appreciated.
I love this place and how much people are willing to help others with their gardening conundrums. Wish I could help more but I am just a beginner.

 

I think this is the friendliest forum.......if you agree send me £5