Shipping live plants may seem like a challenging task, but with the right approach, it’s easy to ensure they arrive at their destination in great condition. Whether you’re sending a plant to a friend or running a plant business, knowing how to properly pack and ship plants is important. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about shipping plants safely, from understanding shipping rules to choosing the right materials and methods.
Shipping plants are delicate and need special care during shipping. Incorrect packing or choosing the wrong shipping method can result in damaged or dead plants upon arrival. By following proper shipping techniques, you can keep your plants healthy and make sure they thrive once they reach their new home.
Understanding Shipping Rules for Plants Before you start packing your plants, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations around shipping live plants. These rules vary depending on whether you are shipping domestically or internationally.
Shipping Plants Domestically When shipping plants within the United States, different states have their own rules about which plants can be shipped and how. Some plants may need special inspections or might be restricted altogether. You may also need to meet quarantine requirements to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
To stay compliant, always check with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and your local state’s regulations before shipping plants. Since rules can change, it’s a good idea to check regularly to avoid any issues.
Shipping Plants Internationally International shipping has even stricter rules to protect other countries from foreign pests and invasive species. You’ll need proper documentation, including a phytosanitary certificate, which is prepared by a U.S. plant regulatory official. If you’re shipping more than 12 plants internationally, you may also need a special permit from the USDA.
Essential Tools and Materials for Shipping Plants To ship plants safely, you’ll need a few basic tools and materials. Here’s a handy list to help you get started:
- Permanent marker
- Corrugated box
- Gardening gloves
- Paper towels
- Plastic wrap
- Packing paper
- Rubber bands
- Packing tape
- Shipping labels
How to Ship Plants Step-by-Step
- Choose Your Shipping Method Decide whether to ship the plant in its soil or as bare roots. Shipping bare-root plants can reduce shipping costs and improve the plant’s chance of thriving in its new environment.
- Prepare the Roots Wrap the plant’s roots in a damp paper towel and cover them with plastic wrap to keep them moist and protected.
- Protect the Plant Base Wrap packing paper around the base of the plant and secure it with a rubber band. This adds extra cushioning during transport.
- Pack the Plant Securely Place the plant in a sturdy corrugated box. If shipping multiple plants, use dividers to prevent them from bumping into each other.
- Seal the Box Properly Use strong packing tape to seal the box securely. Make sure all edges are properly sealed to prevent the plant from getting exposed during transit.
- Select a Reliable Carrier Choose a carrier with good delivery times and options like shipping insurance to protect your shipment. Compare carriers to find the best combination of speed and cost.
- Pick the Right Shipping Speed Plants need to arrive quickly, so opt for next-day or two-day shipping if possible. This helps maintain the plant’s health and prevents it from being in a dark box for too long.
- Plan for the Best Transit Time Avoid shipping plants on weekends to prevent them from sitting in a warehouse. Ship between Monday and Wednesday for the best results.
Shipping Potted Plants vs. Bare Roots When deciding between shipping potted plants or bare-root plants, consider the following:
- Potted plants are great for larger, more mature plants and offer a longer planting window.
- Bare-root plants are lighter and cheaper to ship and may perform better when replanted.
Tips for Shipping Flowers and Seedlings For flowers, minimize movement during transit by using box inserts and packing materials. When shipping seedlings, use flats and secure them to prevent damage.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Plants? Shipping costs depend on the plant’s size, weight, destination, and shipping speed. Using services like Shippo can help you save on shipping costs with discounts on carriers like UPS and USPS.
Choosing the Best Shipping Service for Plants For most plant shipments, expedited services are recommended. Consider using services like:
- USPS Priority Mail® and Priority Mail Express®
- UPS Next Day Air® and 2nd Day Air®
- FedEx Ground® Economy for shorter distances
How to Save Money When Shipping Plants To reduce costs, use free carrier packaging when available and avoid oversized boxes. Sign up for shipping platforms like Shippo to access discounted rates and easily compare shipping options.
Conclusion
Shipping plants safely doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these simple steps and choosing the right shipping methods, you can ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive. Whether you’re sending a single plant or running a plant-based business, a little preparation goes a long way in delivering quality plants to your recipients.