Bloomin Designs NurseryAnswer
Apr 16, 2025 - 03:47 PM
When to Plant Bareroot Vinca Minor
The best time to plant bareroot Vinca minor is during its dormant periods, which are typically:
- Early Spring: Plant as soon as the ground can be worked (is not frozen or waterlogged) and before the plant starts actively growing (breaking bud. Planting sooner is better to allow establishment before summer heat.
- Fall: Plant after the summer heat has subsided but before the ground freezes solid. This allows the roots some time to establish before winter.
Planting during dormancy minimizes transplant shock because the plant is not actively trying to support leaves and flowers. The cool, moist soil conditions of spring and fall are ideal for root establishment. Avoid planting bareroot stock during the heat of summer or when the ground is frozen.
How to Store Bareroot Vinca Minor (If Necessary)
Ideally, you should plant bareroot Vinca minor as soon as possible after receiving it. If you absolutely cannot plant right away, here is the best way to store it temporarily:
- Inspect: Open the package immediately upon arrival. Check the roots – they should be damp, but not mushy or moldy.
- Moisture is Key: The roots must never dry out completely. If they seem dry, you can soak them in a bucket of cool water for about 30-60 minutes (no longer, as this can drown them).
- Packing: If you need to store them for more than a day or two:
- Find some slightly damp packing material like sphagnum moss, peat moss, sawdust, or even shredded newspaper. "Slightly damp" means moist to the touch but not dripping wet when squeezed.
- Gently wrap the roots in the damp material.
- Place the wrapped roots inside a plastic bag. Loosely close the bag, leaving it slightly open for air circulation to prevent mold.
- Cool and Dark: Store the packaged plants in a cool, dark place. Ideal locations include:
- An unheated basement or cellar.
- A garage (as long as it does not freeze or get hot).
- A refrigerator crisper drawer (if space allows and they are well-wrapped to prevent drying – keep away from ripening fruit which releases ethylene gas that can harm plants). The temperature should ideally be just above freezing, around 35-40°F (2-4°C).
How Long Can Bareroot Vinca Minor Be Stored?
- Ideal: Plant within 24-48 hours of receiving them.
- Short-Term Storage: Using the cool, dark, damp storage method described above, you can usually store them safely for up to a week, possibly two, though success rates may decrease the longer you wait.
- Longer Temporary Storage ("Heeling In"): If planting will be delayed longer (e.g., more than a week), you can "heel them in" outdoors. Dig a shallow trench in a shaded, protected spot (like the north side of a building or under shrubs). Lay the plants at an angle in the trench so the roots are covered completely with moist soil or compost. Pack the soil gently around the roots and water well. This keeps the roots viable for several weeks, but it is still best to get them into their permanent location as soon as conditions allow.
In summary: Plant bareroot Vinca minor in early spring or fall. If you must store them, keep the roots consistently moist (but not soggy) and store in a very cool, dark place. Plant them as soon as possible, ideally within a few days, as viability decreases with prolonged storage.
