Every nursery is looking for ways to grow smarter and turn crops into revenue faster. One trend we're seeing across the industry is an increasing interest in 24-count liners as an alternative to traditional 72-count liners, especially for shrubs like Nandinas.
Save a Year of Production
One of the biggest advantages of a 24-count liner is that it can eliminate an entire growing season.
Traditionally, many growers purchase a 72-count liner, grow it into #1 shift stock, and then transplant it into a larger container. That means handling the plant twice and dedicating nursery space to producing shift stock before the plant ever reaches its final container. With a 24-count liner, you can often skip that first step entirely. Because the liner is significantly larger, it can finish into a larger container shrub in roughly the same amount of time it would take a #1 shift stock plant. The result? You get a finished crop to market faster while eliminating an entire year of production.
Reduce Production Risk
Every extra season a plant spends in production creates additional opportunities for loss. A 24-count liner contains approximately five times more root mass than a 72-count liner and already has 6 to 10 additional weeks of growth, depending on the season it was produced. That larger, more established plant is naturally more resilient after transplanting, reducing the risk of losses in the field compared to a smaller liner. Even more importantly, by eliminating the shift-stock stage, growers reduce the risk associated with producing an entire crop before it's even planted into its final container.
Real-World Results
One MGNLiners customer in Virginia planted Ln24 Nandinas in November and began selling finished plants the following June. That accelerated production schedule allowed them to bring a finished crop to market months earlier than a traditional production cycle.
Left: 24 count, Right: 72 count
Does a 24-Count Liner Cost More?
A larger liner does have a higher purchase price and shipping cost than a 72-count liner. However, that's only part of the equation. The real comparison isn't between a 24-count liner and a 72-count liner. It's between a 24-count liner and producing your own #1 shift stock.
When growers consider:
- Labor
- Growing space
- Irrigation
- Fertility
- Plant losses
- Opportunity cost
- Production time
Many find that the larger liner delivers greater value despite the higher initial investment. Every nursery is different, which is why understanding your actual production costs is essential.
When Does a 72-Count Liner Still Make Sense?
For some growers, producing their own shift stock remains the most economical option. If labor costs are low, space isn't limited, and production schedules allow for a longer growing cycle, a 72-count liner may still fit the operation well. The right choice depends on your business model, available space, labor costs, and production goals.
Try It for Yourself
If you're wondering whether larger liners make sense for your nursery, start with a trial. Compare the production time, labor requirements, crop performance, and overall costs between your current program and a 24-count liner.
