Why Buy Plants Online?
Ordering plants online offers access to a broader variety than local nurseries might provide. Sharon Chan, a seasoned gardener from Colleyville, notes that online shopping allows her to find unique plants not available locally. However, she emphasizes the importance of ensuring plants arrive promptly and in good health.
Importance of Packaging
Callie Works-Leary, founder of the Dallas Garden School, stresses that proper packaging is crucial. For smaller seedlings, she recommends plastic clamshell containers. Larger plants should be shipped in sturdy boxes with dividers to keep them upright and prevent damage during transit. Reputable online sellers typically detail their packaging methods in their FAQs or shipping information sections.
🛒 Choosing the Right Online Retailer
Works-Leary advises against purchasing from general marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon due to inconsistent quality and packaging standards. Instead, she recommends established online nurseries that offer advanced search features, allowing you to filter plants based on specific needs, such as shade tolerance or hardiness zones.
🌡️ Understanding Hardiness Zones
While the Dallas area has been reclassified from zone 7b to 8b, Works-Leary cautions that recent winters have reflected zone 7 temperatures. She advises selecting perennials hardy to zone 7 or lower to ensure they withstand unexpected cold snaps. Plants rated for zone 8 or higher may require additional protection during colder temperatures.
🚚 Shipping Considerations
Before finalizing your purchase, review the shipping costs and estimated delivery times. Ensure that the plants will arrive during an appropriate planting window and that the total cost remains reasonable after including shipping fees. Also, check the seller's return or refund policies in case the plants arrive damaged or fail to thrive.
🌱 Recommended Online Nurseries
Digging Dog Nursery: Known for robust transplants and mature plants.
Annie’s Annuals & Perennials: Offers extensive search filters and detailed plant information.
Plant Delights Nursery: Specializes in perennial flowers with competitive shipping rates.
Burpee: Provides a wide range of seeds and transplants with reliable packaging.
Johnny’s Selected Seeds: Offers a comprehensive seed catalog with prompt shipping.
ColorBlends and John Scheepers: Highly recommended for purchasing bulbs.
By following these guidelines and choosing reputable online nurseries, you can enhance your garden with a diverse selection of healthy plants delivered right to your doorstep.

