Unboxing Your Seedlings
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of opening a box of living plants! We take great care to make sure your seedlings arrive healthy, secure, and ready to grow. Follow these simple steps to safely unbox your new plants and help them settle in after their journey.
Step 1. Check the Box
Before opening, inspect the box for any external damage that may have occurred during shipping. If you notice anything unusual, take a quick photo before opening — it helps us improve our packaging process.
Step 2. Open the Box
For small boxes (as shown in the photo), it can be easier to remove the plants by opening the bottom of the box. This allows the internal plant insert to slide out more safely. Fold the box flaps outward so the box can stand upright, then hold it over a table and give it a gentle, sharp shake to release the insert.
For boxes containing five or more plants, opening the box from the top is preferred.
Step 3. Slide Out the Plant Insert
Carefully slide the box upward and off the internal insert (also called the plant holder or pot insert). This keeps the pots upright and protected during shipping.
Once removed, peel off the tape securing the pots and unfold the cardboard wing tabs on each side to release the pots.
Step 4. Remove the Pots
Lift each pot gently from the holder. Remove the tape across the top of the pot and then take off the cardboard soil cover, being careful not to disturb the stem.
You’ll find the plant tag tucked neatly inside the pot beneath the cardboard — ready to use once your plant is in its new home.
🌿 After Unboxing — Post-Transit Care
1. Water
Give each seedling a thorough soak right after unboxing. This helps the roots rehydrate after their journey.
2. Gentle Light
Keep plants in bright, indirect light for a few days. Avoid full midday sun until they’ve adjusted, especially after shipping.
3. Hardening Off
Our seedlings are grown in an unheated greenhouse in Marlborough, which gives them some resilience, but they’ll still need to be gradually introduced to your local conditions.
Place them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the time and sun exposure over 4–7 days.
4. Planting Out
Once your seedlings are strong and the weather is settled, they can be planted directly into the garden or a larger pot. Handle by the leaves or pot, not the stem, and water well after planting.
🌞 A Note on Transit
A little yellowing or drooping is normal after shipping — your plants will perk up quickly with warmth, light, and water. Within a few days, you’ll see them standing tall again.
Any issues please let us know.
📘 Growing Guides & Further Care
For more detailed growing advice — including planting depth, feeding, watering, and pest management — visit our full growing guide:
The Ultimate Chilli, Pepper & Tomato Growing Guide