Many kinds of plants — annuals, vegetables, and some perennials and ground covers — are sold as seedlings in small containers or in flats during the growing season. Larger plants, such as shrubs, trees, and certain vines and perennials, are offered in various ways: as bare-root plants during the dormant season; in 1-gallon, 5-gallon, or larger containers at any time during the growing season; or with the root ball enclosed in burlap from late fall to early spring.

MORE: See our Propagating plants guide to learn about starting plants from seeds, cuttings, and more