Transplant flowers at their original soil level

A small plug plant can look lost in its new container. Resist the urge to bury it deeply to make it appear more secure.

Prepare before removing the plug

Moisten a dry root ball and prepare the planting hole first. Support the root ball while easing it out of the nursery cell. Hold a leaf gently if necessary; avoid pulling or crushing the main stem.

For most bedding flowers, position the top of the root ball level with the surrounding mix, allowing watering space below the pot rim. Species-specific instructions take priority. Settle fresh mix around the sides without packing it hard.

Water to settle, then observe

Apply water gently around the root ball and allow drainage. If the plant sinks, correct the level while everything is still easy to adjust. Give newly moved plants protection from harsh conditions while they establish, especially if their previous environment was sheltered.

A wilted transplant is not automatically thirsty. Feel the root ball and the new mix separately; one may be dry while the other remains wet. Avoid repeatedly watering a saturated pot. During the next few days, look for firm foliage and new growth rather than expecting an immediate burst of flowers. Establishing roots is useful progress even when it happens out of sight.