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9cm plant - how to deal with it

Peanuts3Peanuts3 Posts: 759
in Problem solving

I bought a fern from an Crocus, it was sold as being in a 9cm pot, I have to say I don't really think about what size it would be, but it is barely poking its head out the soil. 

It says it will grow to 170cm so I thought it will be a feature in the wood area.

I planted it out, but now I'm worried I've put it out to early, it seems too small and delicate.  Should I put it back in a pot and bring it up to the house or see how it goes.  We have a lot of pigeons so one quick peck and that would be it.

Annoyingly I've just seen the same fern in the local garden centre for a pound cheaper and in a 2lt pot and looking great... grrr

I emailed Crocus and they said that the size of 170cm would be after 5 years, so not sure how much growth I'd expect to get on it this year.

Any advice on what to do with my microscopic fern, greatly appreciated. thank you. 

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Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    I would pot it on and plant it out when it's a bit bigger. Keep it in a shady spot where you can keep an eye on it and water as required



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Peanuts3Peanuts3 Posts: 759

    thank you I'll go and do that.  Have to say that I caved in and bought the cheaper one as couldn't resist.... so will swap them over.

    thank you for your advice.

  • Peanuts3Peanuts3 Posts: 759

    Hmm to add insult to injury I've been to two local garden centres / nurseries and they had the same fern in a 2l pot for £1 cheaper.   The £5.99 9cm pot is that tiny splodge in the soil next to the label.

    I've taken it out and potted it up and put the cheaper one in its place.

    Have to say I've complained to Crocus about this.  Feel like I've been scammed.

    What do you reckon ?

    image

     

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698

    The pot size ought to be accurately described on the website. I have to say, I've avoided Crocus for this very reason - 'A 9cm pot for HOW MUCH?' But yep, the plant itself should be bigger even in a 9cm pot.

    I do buy 9cm pots fairly often though, and plant straight out (although I baby them once planted). I've just bought three 9cm Geranium 'Rozanne' from Ebay and planted them straight out - they were decent plants (even managed to divide one of them.) For a tenner, not too bad.

    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • Peanuts3Peanuts3 Posts: 759

    Oh don't worry Verdun, I do.  imageimage

    They just refunded me for a Aster that didn't survive the winter, when two others did.  Can't fault them on that.  Waiting to hear back from them, I asked them to justify the price for the size plant.

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    What a rip off.  Verdun  and nut are right about potting on etc and I totally agree with Will - something in a pot that size should fill the pot well, and could be fine to put in the ground but you just have to make the judgement about conditions etc. and the likelihood of it  advancing rather than just rotting or being eaten. 

    I think Verd's right - contact them. Good luck image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,138

    I suppose we should remember that some ferns are only just waking up after the winter - certainly some of mine are only just emerging whereas others are quite luxuriant already image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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