Which is Better, Bare Root or Potted Hostas?

The great debate. Bare Root or Potted Hostas? Which is the best choice for your average home gardener to purchase? Should you only buy potted plants or should you consider buying bare root hostas as well?

Let's cover the basics. A bare root hosta is simply a piece of freshly dug plant and root material. When you dig up an existing hosta clump and divide a few eyes from this clump, you have a piece of bare root hosta. A potted hosta on the other hand, is this same bare root piece of plant material which has been transplanted intoa pot. Usually a potted hosta which is actively growing is proof of a successful transplant experience.

Since bare root pieces still have to endure the transplant process to survive, it is a fact you will have more transplanting success with potted hostas since they are already established. Many hosta vendors may argue this claim but I have found almost all of those who discredit this claim sell bare root hostas exclusively. So it is only natural they are "defending" their livelihood.

My experience is over 20 years growing and selling hostas. I am going to reveal to you what I think is the best solution for most home gardeners. I have dealt with growing and selling both bare-root hosta and potted hostas so my revelations are based on experience.

When is the last time you walked into your local garden center and purchased a bare root hosta? More than likely this has not occurred unless you walked into a specialty hosta grower who digs the plants on the spot. Why is this? I do not understand why the majority of Mail Order firms tend to ship bare root hostas. My only guess is to save on shipping costs?

I think potted hostas are better for the average home gardener. Why? They offer several advantages which include:

No Transplant Shock
Planting Convenience
Survival Rates

There is little or no transplant shock when transferring a nicely rooted potted hosta into the ground. Usually a few sips of water after transplanting and you are done. Bare root hostas on the other hand endure shock since they have been cut or separated from the mother plant. The roots are usually cleaned of all soil. Does this sound natural? Each step causes more shock to the existing plant.

A potted plant offers the buyer the conveniece to plant when he or she has the time. Most potted hostas can last for several month if not longer in their existing pots if need be. This allows the home gardener to plant during a weekend when they have the time, not necessarily immediately upon purchase.

People will argue with me but I dare say potted hostas endure better survival rates when considering the average home gardeners growing environment. I have been involved with growing acres of bare root hostas and thousands of potted hostas. I have witnessed first hand the survival rate of bare root hostas versus potted hostas. Potted hostas outperform bare root hostas any day of the week when it comes to transplanting survival rates. So next time you are looking to add some hostas to you garden just make sure they are potted!

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Comments

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 at 4:39 AM, by Chet Stentiford
Well I beg to differ with you on most accounts..In my 29 years experience, I have always used bare root stock with great success. I have found that most potted perennials are potted in artificial growing medium and develop usually very fiberous roots as opposed to strong stocky roots. Yes, some and I mean some growers do plant in pots from bare root stock and grow them on until they become established, but from what I have found, most potted stock is started in the pot and not field grown which I think to be superior. I am not questioning your experince nor your intellegence, but I , from experince have always used bare root perennials in leau of potted because they are for one. Cheaper and two I find them stronger. Please don't knock bare root stock in favor of potted because great success can come from both sides of the fence. With great respect for a fellow horticulturist, I remain

Chet Stentiford
Horticultural Services
Saugus, Mass

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