CELL GROWN PRODUCTION

Christie-Elite produce around two million cell grown plants for sale each year.

Cell grown trees differ from bare-root in that they have a fully developed root system, contained within a compost plug, or cell.

Cell-grown stock can be planted throughout the year and because the root system remains complete, cell-grown trees are able to establish rapidly once planted out.

The production process begins with stratified seed, which is mechanically sown into trays of compost cells in the polytunnel. The cells are then placed above the ground on racks.

Air circulating below the cells naturally ‘prunes’ the roots encouraging fibre development and ensuring the root system remains within the plug.

Cell grown trees typically take between one and two years to develop.

Due to the fact that trees can be produced in smaller batches, a wider range of species is available in cells than can be offered in bare-root.