Guide to Mail Order Plant Forms

Cell-raised young plant,
plug, and miniplug

Our plants get off to the best possible start with the combination of traditional horticultural skills and state of the art greenhouses equipped with computer technology to create the perfect growing environment.

Plugs, Miniplugs and seedlings: Plugs, miniplugs ans seedlings are raised from premier quality seed and are supplied in black modular trays.; Seedlings are multi-sown in traditional miniplug trays and can easily be teased apart from the cell. Some cells may contain 3 seedlings.; Miniplugs (1½ to 2¼ inches) require potting on before they can be acclimatised to outdoor conditions and planted out into beds and containers.; Plug plants (2 to 3 inches) can be planted direct into their final containers but they must be protected from frost, or potted on into 3½ (9cm) pots for 4 to 8 weeks or until the roots are well spread around the side of the pot. Plugs are supplied in trays of 35, 54 or 84 cells depending on the variety. We recommend that you have a supply of pots or trays and compost available prior to your plants arriving.

Young Plants: This category covers a range of growing cells including Jiffy, glue plugs, and paper pots. Size will vary according to the variety, but as a guide plants measure approximately 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13cm) from root base to stem tip. Many varieties are raised from seed.; Where this symbol appears, plants have been raised from virus free cuttings, painstakingly hand prepared by by skilled nurserymen.; Where this symbol appears, we have already nipped out the growing tip to encourage bushier growth and greater flower power.

Bare Root Plants: Bare Root Roses
Bare root plants are field grown and the soil is removed from the roots prior to packing. They are usually despatched in a dormant state, appearing lifeless, but they are merely resting while the energy is stored int the roots. The plants are ready to come to life once planted and watered.; Quite often plants that are supplied as bare roots are more mature and have a better developed root system than pot-grown specimens. As they are less bulky to pack and post, we are able to offer them at very reasonable prices.; The plants often look unsightly on arrival, but this is perfectly normal and nothing to be alarmed about.

Root-wrapped Plants: Root wrapped plants are generally field grownm and the rootballs are wrapped in plastic or netting prior to shipping. They are not supplied in pots.

Bulbs: Bulb sizes determine the vigour and the number and size of the flowers produced. Wherever possible, we supply the largest sized bulbs available.; Generally, the bulb size relates to the circumference measured in centimetres, eg 14/16 will have a minimum circumference of 14cm and a maximum circumference of 16cm. Somethimes bulbs are graded I, II or III. I being the top size bulb.

2" (5cm) Mock Terracotta Pots: Perennial in 2" pot
Many of our perennial plants are supplied in this type of pot. The plants are predominately over-wintered and have a well-developed root system to give them a head start when planted out.

Packaging: Cell-raised and pot-grown plants are normally shipped in specially designed blister packs to keep the root system in place and the foliage protected in transit.; Where a pack of plants represents a collection of colours or different varieties, these can be identified by referencing the embossed letters A-F on the outside of the green packaging with the planting guide supplied. Some varieties are supplied with a strip of pre-printed labels that correspond to the embossed letters. These can be detached and stuck onto plastic plant labels or pots for future reference.

Guide to Mail Order Plant Forms

Thompson & Morgan Stockists

Site Map - Useful Links - Contact Us