How to Care for Dormant Rootstock Plants

Place the dormant rootstock in a garden shed or other cool, dark location until planting time. Confirm the rootstock is not exposed to sunlight.

Cover the dormant rootstock with moist straw, peat moss or damp burlap. Mist the packing substance lightly with water to keep it moist.

Soak the rootstock of broadleaf plants in a bucket of water for four to six hours prior to planting. Soak evergreen rootstock for 20 to 30 minutes in water prior to planting.

Examine the rootstock closely on the day of planting. Clip away any broken or deformed roots.

Clip away any leaves of deciduous trees or shrubs prior to planting the rootstock. Removing the leaves helps reduce the water that is lost through the plant's foliage, a process known as transpiration. Reducing the water loss helps the plant establish itself; it will then produce new foliage.

Dig a hole twice as large as the rootstock. Place the plant's rootstock into the hole and cover it with soil. Tamp the soil down to firm it around the roots.

Water the newly planted rootstock thoroughly. Keep the soil moist so the rootstock establishes itself. Applying a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch across the soil helps keep the rootstock moist.