Product Profile
Products offered by Walters Gardens are grown and offered for sale in either a bare root or plug/liner form. Many are available as either a generously graded bare root plant, or a more economical plug. The information on this page details our bare root and plug operations and the basic information surrounding these product lines.
Bare Root Liners
As the largest wholesale grower of bare root perennials in North America, we offer a broad selection of generously graded bare root perennials.
Our plants are grown near the shore of Lake Michigan where sandy loam soil, moderate zone 6 temperatures, and reliable snow cover provide ideal growing conditions. Most varieties are grown for one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until they are ready to be shipped.
#1 Grade Bare Root (G1)
The majority of our bare root product is sold as #1 Grade in multiples of 25, the ideal size for finishing quickly in 1-gallon containers or in 2-gallons if grown a little longer. (Peonies are sold in multiple of 10.) Most varieties finish in approximately 6-10 weeks, though finish times vary with variety, season, and growing environment.
Minimum Order: 1 box of 25
#2 Grade Bare Root (G2)
A select group of perennials are sold as #2 grade in multiples of 100, the ideal size for finishing in 1-quart containers in approximately 4-6 weeks or in 1-gallon containers in 8-12 weeks. #2 grade Hemerocallis and Hosta are sold as 1 eye/fan divisions from a 2 year field clump.
Minimum Order: 1 box of 100
#3 Grade Bare Root (G3)
Select Hemerocallis and Hosta varieties are sold as a #3 Grade division. These are some of our most popular varieties offered in an economical 1-3 eye/fan division of a two year field clump.
Minimum Order: 1 box of 250
Plug Products
The majority of perennials we offer are available in plug form under the controlled environment of our greenhouse facilities. Several sizes are available including 20, 30, 32, 72, and 128ct plugs. The majority of our plugs are environmentally friendly Elle Plugs, while others are traditional loose fill plugs or mesh-sleeved growcoons. The type of plug used is based on the specific needs of the plants.
Our larger 20, 30, and 32ct plugs are well-suited to customers looking for faster turnaround times in larger containers. They are ideal for finishing in 1-gallon containers for sales the same season. We also offer a number of perennial varieties in economically priced 72 and 128ct plugs which are ideal for growers looking to produce larger quantities of their best selling items at a lower input cost. They can be finished in 6-packs, quarts, or gallons for the following spring's sales.
We accept custom orders for 72s and 128s (minimums apply). Please contact us for details.
32 Count Plugs - New for the 2027-2028 Season
Beginning with the 2027-2028 season, Walters Gardens will transition from our current 20-cell and 30-cell plug trays to a new, universal 32-cell plug tray. This new format has been carefully developed to simplify ordering, improve shipping efficiency, and provide a consistent plug solution across our Elle, Growcoon, and Deep Cell (Loose Fill) programs.
Production of 20ct and 30ct tray sizes will continue through the 2026-2027 Season. First available ship date of the 32ct size is July 1, 2027.
Approximate Plug Measurements: 4¼" deep x 2½" wide
Minimum Order: 1 tray of 32
One Tray. One Standard. More Flexibility.
The new 32-cell tray consolidates four existing plug offerings into a single, streamlined format. Designed as a multi-purpose tray for both Growcoon and Deep Cell (Loose Fill) production, it brings greater consistency to our plug program while maintaining the plug quality and performance our customers expect.
Key features of the new 32-cell tray include:
- Standard tray footprint matching our 72-cell and 128-cell flats (21.375” x 11.25”)
- Similar cell design to our existing 72-cell and 128-cell trays
- Compatibility with Growcoon, and Deep Cell production systems
- Improved label ramp and standardized tray labeling for all Walters Gardens plug product
- Tapered cell design that provides additional air space for plugs and deeper rooting space for grass divisions
20 Count Elle Plugs - Discontinued after the 2026-2027 Season
The majority of our greenhouse-grown perennials are offered in 20ct plugs. This includes hostas and other items that require a larger amount of soil volume and space to produce a top quality plant. We recommend finishing our 20ct plugs in 1-gallon containers. Most varieties will finish in 6-10 weeks. Miniature hostas sold in 20ct plugs are better suited to finishing in 1-quart containers.
Approximate Plug Measurements: 3¼" deep x 2¾" wide
Minimum Order: 1 tray of 20
20 Count Deep Cell Plugs - Discontinued after the 2026-2027 Season
Deep cell trays hold loose fill plug liners and have the added depth some perennials need to encourage better root development. We recommend finishing our 20ct plugs in 1-gallon containers. Most varieties will finish in 6-10 weeks. Miniature hostas sold in 20ct plugs are better suited to finishing in 1-quart containers.
Approximate Plug Measurements: 4½" deep x 2¾" wide
Minimum Order: 1 tray of 20
30 Count Plugs - Discontinued after the 2026-2027 Season
Some of our greenhouse grown perennials are offered in 30ct plugs. This includes perennials that are grown from seed and other smaller varieties that do not require as much soil or space to produce a top quality plant. We recommend finishing our 30ct plugs in 1-gallon or 1-quart containers. Quarts generally finish in 4-6 weeks and gallons should finish in 6-10 weeks.
Approximate Plug Measurements: 3" deep x 2" wide
Minimum Order: 1 tray of 30
30 Count Deep Cell Plugs - Discontinued after the 2026-2027 Season
Deep cell trays hold loose fill plug liners and have the added depth some perennials need to encourage better root development. We recommend finishing our 30ct plugs in 1-gallon or 1-quart containers. Quarts generally finish in 4-6 weeks and gallons should finish in 6-10 weeks.
Approximate Plug Measurements: 4¼" deep x 2" wide
Minimum Order: 1 tray of 30
72 Count Plugs
72ct plugs are designed to meet the needs of growers who are looking for larger quantities of their best selling items at a lower input cost. They are automation ready and transplant quickly. They can be finished in 6-packs, quarts, or gallons for the following spring's sales. Our deeper 72ct plugs offer tremendous value!
Approximate Plug Measurements: 2½" deep x 1⅓" wide
Minimum Order: 1 tray of 72
128 Count Plugs
128ct plugs are designed to meet the needs of large growers who require big numbers of a select group of perennials with a low input cost. They are automation ready and transplant quickly. They can be finished in 6-packs, quarts, or gallons for the following spring's sales.
Approximate Plug Measurements: 2" deep x 1⅛" wide
Minimum Order: 1 tray of 128
Products offered by Walters Gardens are grown and offered for sale in either a bare root or plug/liner form. Many are available as either a generously graded bare root plant, or a more economical plug. The information on this page details our bare root and plug operations and the basic information surrounding these product lines.
Bare Root LinersAs the largest wholesale grower of bare root perennials in North America, we offer a broad selection of generously graded bare root perennials. Our plants are grown near the shore of Lake Michigan where sandy loam soil, moderate zone 6 temperatures, and reliable snow cover provide ideal growing conditions. Most varieties are grown for one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until they are ready to be shipped. |
#1 Grade Bare Root (G1)The majority of our bare root product is sold as #1 Grade in multiples of 25, the ideal size for finishing quickly in 1-gallon containers or in 2-gallons if grown a little longer. (Peonies are sold in multiple of 10.) Most varieties finish in approximately 6-10 weeks, though finish times vary with variety, season, and growing environment. Minimum Order: 1 box of 25 |
#2 Grade Bare Root (G2)A select group of perennials are sold as #2 grade in multiples of 100, the ideal size for finishing in 1-quart containers in approximately 4-6 weeks or in 1-gallon containers in 8-12 weeks. #2 grade Hemerocallis and Hosta are sold as 1 eye/fan divisions from a 2 year field clump. Minimum Order: 1 box of 100 |
#3 Grade Bare Root (G3)Select Hemerocallis and Hosta varieties are sold as a #3 Grade division. These are some of our most popular varieties offered in an economical 1-3 eye/fan division of a two year field clump. Minimum Order: 1 box of 250 |
Plug ProductsThe majority of perennials we offer are available in plug form under the controlled environment of our greenhouse facilities. Several sizes are available including 20, 30, 32, 72, and 128ct plugs. The majority of our plugs are environmentally friendly Elle Plugs, while others are traditional loose fill plugs or mesh-sleeved growcoons. The type of plug used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Our larger 20, 30, and 32ct plugs are well-suited to customers looking for faster turnaround times in larger containers. They are ideal for finishing in 1-gallon containers for sales the same season. We also offer a number of perennial varieties in economically priced 72 and 128ct plugs which are ideal for growers looking to produce larger quantities of their best selling items at a lower input cost. They can be finished in 6-packs, quarts, or gallons for the following spring's sales. We accept custom orders for 72s and 128s (minimums apply). Please contact us for details. |
32 Count Plugs - New for the 2027-2028 SeasonBeginning with the 2027-2028 season, Walters Gardens will transition from our current 20-cell and 30-cell plug trays to a new, universal 32-cell plug tray. This new format has been carefully developed to simplify ordering, improve shipping efficiency, and provide a consistent plug solution across our Elle, Growcoon, and Deep Cell (Loose Fill) programs. Production of 20ct and 30ct tray sizes will continue through the 2026-2027 Season. First available ship date of the 32ct size is July 1, 2027. Approximate Plug Measurements: 4¼" deep x 2½" wide Minimum Order: 1 tray of 32 One Tray. One Standard. More Flexibility.The new 32-cell tray consolidates four existing plug offerings into a single, streamlined format. Designed as a multi-purpose tray for both Growcoon and Deep Cell (Loose Fill) production, it brings greater consistency to our plug program while maintaining the plug quality and performance our customers expect. Key features of the new 32-cell tray include:
|
20 Count Elle Plugs - Discontinued after the 2026-2027 SeasonThe majority of our greenhouse-grown perennials are offered in 20ct plugs. This includes hostas and other items that require a larger amount of soil volume and space to produce a top quality plant. We recommend finishing our 20ct plugs in 1-gallon containers. Most varieties will finish in 6-10 weeks. Miniature hostas sold in 20ct plugs are better suited to finishing in 1-quart containers. Approximate Plug Measurements: 3¼" deep x 2¾" wide Minimum Order: 1 tray of 20 |
20 Count Deep Cell Plugs - Discontinued after the 2026-2027 SeasonDeep cell trays hold loose fill plug liners and have the added depth some perennials need to encourage better root development. We recommend finishing our 20ct plugs in 1-gallon containers. Most varieties will finish in 6-10 weeks. Miniature hostas sold in 20ct plugs are better suited to finishing in 1-quart containers. Approximate Plug Measurements: 4½" deep x 2¾" wide Minimum Order: 1 tray of 20 |
30 Count Plugs - Discontinued after the 2026-2027 SeasonSome of our greenhouse grown perennials are offered in 30ct plugs. This includes perennials that are grown from seed and other smaller varieties that do not require as much soil or space to produce a top quality plant. We recommend finishing our 30ct plugs in 1-gallon or 1-quart containers. Quarts generally finish in 4-6 weeks and gallons should finish in 6-10 weeks. Approximate Plug Measurements: 3" deep x 2" wide Minimum Order: 1 tray of 30 |
30 Count Deep Cell Plugs - Discontinued after the 2026-2027 SeasonDeep cell trays hold loose fill plug liners and have the added depth some perennials need to encourage better root development. We recommend finishing our 30ct plugs in 1-gallon or 1-quart containers. Quarts generally finish in 4-6 weeks and gallons should finish in 6-10 weeks. Approximate Plug Measurements: 4¼" deep x 2" wide Minimum Order: 1 tray of 30 |
72 Count Plugs72ct plugs are designed to meet the needs of growers who are looking for larger quantities of their best selling items at a lower input cost. They are automation ready and transplant quickly. They can be finished in 6-packs, quarts, or gallons for the following spring's sales. Our deeper 72ct plugs offer tremendous value! Approximate Plug Measurements: 2½" deep x 1⅓" wide Minimum Order: 1 tray of 72 |
128 Count Plugs128ct plugs are designed to meet the needs of large growers who require big numbers of a select group of perennials with a low input cost. They are automation ready and transplant quickly. They can be finished in 6-packs, quarts, or gallons for the following spring's sales. Approximate Plug Measurements: 2" deep x 1⅛" wide Minimum Order: 1 tray of 128 |