Above ground container production
The use of containers to
grow nursery stock is generally recognized as first beginning in
the early 1950's (1). Nurserymen in southern California, who had
considerable experience in growing plants inside greenhouses
Above ground container production
The use of containers to
grow nursery stock is generally recognized as first beginning in
the early 1950's (1). Nurserymen in southern California, who had
considerable experience in growing plants inside greenhouses, were
first credited with taking plants outdoors in containers (2). By
having plants with foliage, and flowers, in a neat "package"
that was easily transportable, the sale of nursery stock could expand
beyond the typical dormant season. With the advent of the Federal
Highway system, and the expanding use of truck transportation, growers
were able to distribute their stock all over the United States.
The first containers used were recycled metal food containers, which
were often scrounged from schools and restaurants (3). With their
sharp metal edges, and straight sides, these early pots were difficult
to work with.
Dwarf Hinoki cypress
(Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Nana Gracilis') being raised
in decorative wooden boxes for the retail garden center trade
Container culture expands
During the early 1960's nurserymen started to explore all of the
factors associated with growing plants in pots. Studies looked at
using native soil (as opposed to modern container mixes), the time
the plants could be left in the containers, and the growth characteristics
of the contained plants. Today 80-90% of woody ornamentals produced
in the southern states of California, Texas, and Florida are grown
in containers. Plants that have small root systems and fast growth
rates are ideal candidates for containers. As for terminology, there
are different types of container plants:
- Potted stock
is used describe seedlings, rooted cuttings, or grafted plants
that are first started in small containers before they are put
out in the field as liner stock or re-potted into larger containers.
Examples would include flowering perennials, and rhododendrons.
stock refers to plants spend their entire lives in pots,
up to the time of sale