Growing on plug plants

When you receive your plug plants, open the packaging immediately and stand them upright (don't worry if some compost has become loose during transit). If your plugs seem dry soak them in water for half an hour. Mini plugs will need to be potted up and grown on before planting out in their final positions. Larger plugs can be potted on or planted straight away into containers, flower pouches or baskets. Before placing any plug plants outside it is important to check whether they are hardy (refer to cultural instructions), otherwise they will need to be kept somewhere frost-free until all risk of frost has passed.

Growing on mini plugs

Ideally mini plugs should be potted up when you receive them. If there is a delay, keep your mini plugs in a cool, bright and well ventilated place. When you are ready to pot on your plants, soak the mini-plug tray in water to soften the compost. Holding the plants by the leaves (not the stems), gently ease the plugs out of their tray. If plugs are difficult to remove, push your free dibber through the holes in the base of the tray to remove them.

Plant the mini plugs individually into 9cm pots or large module trays using multi-purpose compost. Simply make a hole in the compost slightly larger than the plug and place the plug in, gently firming the compost around the roots. Stand your newly potted plants in a tray of water for 10 minutes until the compost is moist on the surface and then allow any excess water to drain away. Place your plants in a frost-free greenhouse, conservatory or on a cool, bright windowsill. Growing your plants in cool conditions will encourage sturdy, strong growth – too much warmth will encourage weak and leggy growth.

Planting out plug plants

When plants are well grown, acclimatise them to the lower outdoor temperatures for at least a week before planting outdoors. This simply means placing your plants outside during the day and bringing them undercover at night (or covering with fleece). It's best not to leave your plants outside if temperatures will be below 5°C (41°F). Only plant out half-hardy plants permanently once all risk of frost has passed.