The beauty of bare-root - bare-root plants

Sunset, Jan, 1995 by Lynne Oconne

Finally, make sure the nursery staff wraps the roots in a plastic bag to keep them moist in transit, and plant as soon as you get home.

BARE-ROOT BUYING GUIDE

The prices given for the plants listed here are only approximate--the price you pay will depend on where you live, how the plant is packaged, the nursery's volume, and the particular variety you choose. When you buy can also be a factor, although it generally doesn't pay to wait until the end of bare-root season for a so-called bargain.

Perennial Vegetables. In all cases, buy plants with the largest, plumpest roots you can find. The best root crowns have plenty of fleshy, fibrous, unbroken roots.

Artichoke. 'Improved Green Globe' is most widely available. Artichokes are traditionally sold by root division, but seedlings that are true to the parent plant are also available. Seedlings are less prone to rot than divisions. Both will produce artichokes the first year. Cost: $1.50 to $2.50.

Asparagus. Roots are typically 1-year-old seedlings whose tops have been cut back. Common varieties are 'Mary Washington', 'U.C. 157', and 'U.C. 72'. Plants take two to three years to reach full production. Cost: around $3 for 12 roots.

Horseradish. Crowns from root divisions produce roots for harvest the first year. Cost: $2.50 to $3 for two.

Jerusalem artichoke (also called sunchokes). Edible tubers are gaining in popularity but are still hard to find. Plant the tubers, which multiply underground. Cost: about 60 cents each.

Rhubarb. Several varieties are available, including 'Cherry' (also called 'Crimson Cherry'), 'Strawberry', and 'Victoria'. Sold by division and seedlings. Divisions tend to rot more easily but produce red leaf stalks. Plants from seedlings may include green stalks at maturity. Cost: $1.20 to $2.50 each.

Cane Berries. Several varieties of raspberries and blackberries (including thornless types) are offered, as well as currants and gooseberries suitable for cold climates. Check the Sunset Western Garden Book to find the best varieties for your region. Root systems should appear full and balanced. The diameter of the cane should be pencil-size or larger. Some types, such as red raspberries, produce fruit the first year; all should bear well by the second year. Cost: $2 to $4 each (loose raspberries are often less).

Blueberries. Choose the varieties appropriate for your climate: southern highbush and rabbiteye types are suited to Southern California; northern highbush varieties grow well in the Northwest. Some rabbiteye types require pollinators, while the northern highbush types are self-fruitful; production for all blueberries increases with pollinators. For a sustained harvest, plant a mixture of early-, mid-, and late-season varieties. Select plants with full, stocky tops and a substantial mat of fine roots. Plants bear some fruit the first year; production increases with age and size. Cost: $7 to $8.50 each.

Strawberries. Essentially, there are three types of strawberries available bare-root. One produces a single, major crop in the spring. Another produces two or three crops during the growing season. The third produces on and off throughout the season, but never a lot all at once. Mix varieties for a prolonged and abundant harvest. Plants are available packaged and bundled. Make sure the roots are moist and plump. Cost: around $3 for a package of 12, less for bundled roots.