Peat Pots vs. Plastic Flats for Seed Starting

Use Peat Pots for All Species to Minimize Transplant Shock

Peat pots (or cow pots, paper pots) allow roots to penetrate the wall, so the entire pot is planted—no root disturbance. This is especially valuable for tap-rooted or sensitive species (poppies, lupines, cyclamen).

Listed Species

All 15 species (Meconopsis, Aquilegia, poppies, cyclamen, lupine, baby's breath, cornflower, aster, pampas grass, zinnia, buddleia, mimulus, nemophila, veronica, tiger lily) benefit from peat pots. The only drawback is cost; plastic flats are reusable.

Tip

If using peat pots, tear off the bottom before planting to ensure root egress, and keep pots moist—they wick water rapidly.