In spring, gardeners flock to nurseries, greenhouses, and garden centers to buy plants. It's important to choose species and cultivars that match the growing requirements, such as sun, water, soil, and winter hardiness.
It is also important to select high-quality plants. The tips below can be used when buying containerized or balled and burlapped (B&B) plants. Additional advice is also provided on purchasing bare-root plants, trees, seed, and bulbs.
Overall Guidance | Seeds | Bulbs | Trees | Bare Root Plants | More Information
Overall Guidance When Buying Any Plant Type
Evaluate Habit & Form
The overall habit or shape of the plant should be well-balanced and not too big or small for the container.
Trees should have well-spaced branches with no double leaders. Perennials, annuals, and vegetable transplants should be sturdy, robust, and compact.
Bigger is not necessarily better! Spindly or lanky plants, especially with annuals and vegetables, do not transplant well.
Look at Condition & Quality
Leaves should not be discolored or mottled, and the plant should not be missing or dropping leaves. A few brown leaf edges or minor spots are not typically a problem and are sometimes unavoidable as plants growing in containers are under a lot of stress. Plants with excessive leaf damage, however, should not be purchased.
Plants with overly dry or wet soil are often an indication of poor care and should be avoided.
Perennials, annuals, and vegetables should be firm and upright, not limp or wilted. Trees and shrubs should be free of broken branches, scrapes, or damage to the trunk or stems.
Inspect the Root System
One of the hardest things to evaluate is the root system, but it is one of the most important.
Don’t be shy about slipping the pot down to inspect the root ball. The roots should be firm and white, not mushy and brown, and there should not be an excessive amount of circling roots in the container. This can lead to big problems down the road – especially with trees and shrubs.
There should not be an excessive number of roots coming out of the bottom of the pot. This suggests the plant may have been in the container for too long. Conversely, avoid buying plants that have been recently bumped up in pot size. These plants will have the soil ball readily fall apart when slid out of the container. Buying these plants is just paying more for some extra soil!
The roots of balled and burlapped (B&B) trees can be difficult to evaluate. Root balls should have a minimum diameter of 10 to 12 inches for every inch of stem caliper. For example, a two-inch caliper tree should have, at minimum, a root ball that is 20 to 24 inches across. B&B trees are often stored at the nursery heeled into mulch or soil piles. While some roots may extend beyond the burlap into the surrounding mulch, an excessive number of roots, or burlap that has begun to break down, indicate that the tree has been in storage for too long.
Check for Insects, Diseases, & Weeds
Inspect all plants for signs or symptoms of disease or insect pests. They can negatively affect your new plant or other plants in your landscape. Look under the leaves and near the plant's crown. Do not purchase plants that show signs or symptoms of insect or disease problems.
Avoid containers with excessive weeds alongside the desired plant. Often, these weeds become a problem in your landscape if transplanted. Algae is also sometimes found, especially in container-grown plants. Typically, plants with a lot of algae on the soil or pot surface are old stock.
Don’t Be Swayed by Flowers
Remember, while flowers are pretty, they are not required for purchase. Buying only plants that are in bloom often creates garden spaces with heavy spring bloom and little interest later in the season because you do most of your plant shopping in spring. Pretty flowers are nice, but they are not a universal sign of good health and high quality!
Considerations for Purchasing Seed
Check the date printed on the seed packet. Purchase seeds packaged for the current growing season. The germination percentage of the seed declines each year at varying rates. Seeds older than 2 years often have much lower germination rates.
Avoid purchasing seeds sold in wet or damp locations, as well as those exposed to extreme heat or freezing temperatures. These conditions could lower the germination rate of the seeds.
Learn more in this article: Tips for Purchasing Seeds.
Considerations for Purchasing Bulbs
Bulbs, tubers, corms, and other geophytes should be firm and relatively heavy for their size. Check to be sure they are not soft, mushy, or excessively dry, as these bulbs are typically not viable.
Only purchase bulbs packaged for the current growing season. Older bulbs tend to be dried out and usually do not grow well.
Considerations for Purchasing Trees
When buying a tree, look for a strong central structure with well-spaced branches and no competing leaders. Branches should be evenly distributed, without narrow or weak crotch angles.
Check for evidence of proper pruning, such as clean, well-healed cuts, and avoid trees with large, jagged wounds or excessive pruning. The crown of the tree should occupy at least two-thirds of the tree's height. It is common for young trees to have heading back (reduction) cuts on terminal and lateral branches to promote more branching. These cuts are only problematic if done on large-diameter branches (more than 1/2 to 1 inch) or if multiple leaders are allowed to form.
Inspect the bark for damage, cracks, or wounds that could invite pests or disease. Also, examine the trunk for straightness and stability, and ensure the root ball is firm and not circling excessively if container-grown. Overall, choose a tree that appears healthy, balanced, and free from obvious stress or injury.
Considerations for Bare Root Plants
Bare root perennials and roses are often available at garden centers. Bare root plants should be in good condition with firm, heavy roots that are not dry or brittle. The packing material around the roots should be damp, not dripping wet or completely dry. Buds and growing points should be green and firm. There should be no obvious signs of mold or freezing damage. Plants should not have mushy roots, foul odors, or many broken stems or roots.
Bare root plants are best purchased and planted early in the growing season while plants are still dormant. Those purchased later in spring, summer, or fall rarely transplant successfully.