Handling and Storing Southern Container Seedlings

Southern container stock can be planted either earlier or later in the year than bareroot stock. Early planting in the South can begin in October, allowing seedlings to become established before freezing weather. Planting can extend into late spring and even into summer on sites that are too wet to plant with bareroot seedlings during the fall or winter. Containers protect the roots from the damage associated with lifting, storage, and planting.

Seedlings grown in containers (primarily longleaf pine in the South) are typically grown in styroblocks on racks or benches in the open. The roots are subject to cold damage at temperatures below 25 °F. The best strategy is to get the seedlings planted before the risk of really cold weather, usually by mid-December.

If the seedlings are still in the styroblock containers when shipped to the district, they can be stored on the ground in a protected location and watered occasionally. The seedlings need to be covered with a tarp if below-freezing temperatures are expected.

If the seedlings are pulled from the containers and packed at the nursery in bags or boxes, they can be stored cold like bareroot seedlings. Refrigerated transport and cold storage at the district is always best.