Grower Alert Labels
When caring for newly received plants, it’s important to follow the handling instructions indicated by their tray labels. A tray marked with a “Blue” label signals young plants that are more sensitive to cold; if they arrive dormant in late fall or winter, they should be kept in a frost‑free environment between 35° – 45° F, with soil kept evenly moist but not overwatered, and fertilizer withheld until fresh growth appears. In contrast, a tray marked with a “Yellow” label identifies plants that originated from a warm greenhouse. These should be maintained above 55° F and then gradually acclimated over about three weeks to cooler conditions (35° – 45° F when appropriate). Unlike dormant plants, these must remain actively growing, so avoid exposing them to cold that could trigger dormancy.
- Newly received young plants are more sensitive to cold than established ones
- If plants arrive dormant in late fall or winter, keep them in a frost‑free environment between 35° – 45° F
- Maintain soil moisture consistently, but avoid overwatering
- Hold off on fertilizing until fresh growth begins to emerge
- Plants originating from a warm greenhouse should be kept above 55° F, then gradually acclimated over about three weeks to a cooler range of 35° – 45° F (when appropriate)
- Young plants from a warm greenhouse must remain actively growing; avoid exposing them to cold conditions that could trigger dormancy.


