Plants Grown in Smart Pot Achieved Marketable Size – Three Months Earlier Than Those In Plastic pots

In exciting news for both gardeners and the environment, Smart Pot partnered with the University of Florida on a recent study led by Dr. Tom Yeager and Ted Gardner. The study focused on the growth of Viburnum suspensum, a popular flowering shrub, in Smart Pots compared to traditional plastic containers. The results were impressive: Viburnum suspensum grown in Smart Pots matured 3 months faster, reaching market readiness significantly earlier. This not only benefits nurserymen by increasing production efficiency, but also reduces water usage and overall environmental impact.

The study highlights the potential of Smart Pots to revolutionize plant growth and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Table 1. Mean heights and widths (cm ±standard error) for Viburnum suspensum planted 9 June 2021 and grown at Hibernia Nursery in conventional plastic (CP) or Smart Pots® (SP) each ≈3-gallons (n=25)

Numbers highlighted in bold indicate heights and withs of marketable size according to specifications for Hibernia Nursery. Specifications for a #3-gallon are 46-51 cm high and 41-46 cm wide.

Table 2. Mean heights and widths (cm ±standard error) for Viburnum suspensum grown at Hibernia Nursery and transplanted to 7-gallon plastic containers (28 Dec. 2021) from conventional plastic (CP) or Smart Pots® (SP) each ≈3-gallons (n=25).

Numbers highlighted in bold indicate heights and withs of marketable size according to specifications for Hibernia Nursery. Specifications for a #7-gallon are 66-71 cm high and 61-66 cm wide.

The full study will be published at The American Society for Horticultural Science when drafting is complete. Download the draft below:

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