How to Select Healthy Bulbs and Seedlings

It would be lovely if everything we purchased from the nursery was blooming with health, but as with most things, some plants are better than others. There are a few simple things to keep in mind when selecting bulbs and seedlings for your garden.

Selecting Bulbs - everything it needs to grow with, except water, is contained inside the bulb. If you split a bulb open you may see a bud or even a flower beginning to develop. Therefore the condition of the bulb is important to ensure you are buying a healthy plant.

* Bigger bulbs are better. This is because the larger the bulb, the more likely you are to get a good-looking flower of decent size. If your bulb is well-rounded and heavy for its size, you can expect a healthy flower within.
* Bulbs should be firm. Inspect them for soft spots, bruises, deep cracks or scratches. Don’t buy ones that show any type of damage. The color of the bulb may vary between species and type, but the color of the unit should be uniform, not blotchy.
* Once you’ve selected your bulbs, store them in a cool area that is dry and away from sunlight. Keep them there until it is time to plant.

Selecting Seedlings – Seedlings are probably easier to determine if they are in good health or not, because unlike bulbs, everything is on display. Whether you are buying vegetable, flower or tree seedlings, there are certain things you need to take note of, in deciding if they are healthy or not.

* Bigger seedlings don’t necessarily mean healthier. Ignore the size of the seedling and look at individual components of the plant.
* Any foliage should be lush and healthy looking.
* If there are buds visible, they should not be dried out or withered. Look for buds that are large and established.
* Check the seedling for insects/pests, as well as any signs of disease. Don’t buy seedlings that look like they may have a problem in this area.
* Compare the seedlings on display with others of similar size and color. Is the one you’ve chosen in as good a condition as the others?
* Healthy seedlings won’t have dead leaves. Look out for leaf scars as this is an indication that the seedling has lost leaves.
* Look for symmetrical seedlings that are growing upright away from the pot.
* Plants that are covered in blooms are not necessarily the best ones to purchase. A seedling with no blooms is less likely to have problems.
* Inspect the underside of the container to ensure there are roots protruding from the bottom. Look for white or light-colored roots. Dark roots are a sign of an unhealthy plant.
* Once you have selected your seedlings, keep them moist and in an environment similar to what they will experience in the ground, until you are ready to plant them.

Have fun in selecting wonderfully healthy plants for your garden!

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