Per the USDA: "A PPQ 526 permit is required for the importation, interstate movement and environmental release of all insects and mites that feed upon or infest plants or plant products, including agricultural crops, trees, shrubs, native plants, etc." http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/permits/organism/insects.shtml Per Wayne Wehling of the USDA: "APHIS Plant Pest Permits (PPQ 526) are required for the interstate movement or importation of any living life stage of indigenous or exotic Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). Another way to say it is: permits are required to possess live exotic Lepidoptera or live Lepidoptera obtained from another state." http://www.butterflybreeders.org/pages/permitting_corner.html I believe it was back in 2000 when we were told that the USDA was going to relax regulations when it came to shipping giant silk moth eggs but that never happened, AFAIK.

Another thing to consider---young rooted plants oftentimes have very delicate roots, and, even though they literally are coming out of the bottom of the pot. When the seller goes to clean the soil from the roots for shipping, many are lost. After a year or so the roots get really tough, but the "same year" cuttings are usually not this way. I find it no problem, really. I import plumerias from Australia and can tell you their definition of "rooted" on plants they send me means they have small nubs, or, maybe if you're lucky, more than this. The term they use is "struck" cuttings--have produced their first roots. I find that, if the plant has gone this far, it typically performs perfectly fine since it is in fact no longer just a cutting but has formed te structures it needs to survive on its own in soil. That being said, when I send customers plants, I am not comnfortable sending them plants with nubs only because US customers don't understand this and it becomes more of a headache trying to explain this to worried people than it's worth. I sometimes sell same year rooted cuttings and indicate they will have a small root system. This means typically at least a minimum of 2-5 inches in length remaining after cleaning away the soil. I also indicate when selling such plants that they are young rooted cuttings. As long as you buy them in the Spring and Summer, there really shouldn't be any problems as long as they are not overwatered or overfertilized; planted in a well-drained mix. I have seen many of these plants take off and grow like mad within a couple of weeks of planting. But, that also does depend on the time of year. To add a note on time of year: I would not recommend buying plumerias after September unless you live in a place that has warm temps right through Christmas (or better: all year), or, you have a proper greenhouse facility. Plumeria in their first year after arriving at your place late in the year can often succumb to what I call The Dreaded Winter Rot while in Winter Storage. There have been many speculations as to what causes this, but honestly, I have seen it on plants that shouldn't have gotten it otherwise if you listen to the supposed causes. ALL were young plants that hadn't been with me for over a year. I think the slowing down of the growth due to the late season is part of the problem combined with stress setting in from it being cleaned and shipped to you. This allows microorganisms the plant would normally fend off to take hold. It is a sinking feeling to find that plumeria you spent $$ on is a stick of mush when you go to get it to set out in the Spring.I am not saying all plants bought late will rot, but they are the primary ones that will have this problem. Occasionally the bigger ones get it, but this is much more rare. During dormancy ans winter storage it is crucial you do not water (unless excessive shrivelling is noted-- then give a small drink only)--especially the young ones. My plumerias go into the greenhouse around Christmas and stay there until early March because Jan and Feb are our cold months here. You can stack pots on onto the other and in between since there are no leaves; uproot in-ground plants and simply store them standing up with no soil or water (crazy, huh?). Some people in colder places put loose newspaper around the roots. I don't bother. The last two years I filled up my large greenhouse with them and they sat in there with no water until I brought them out again. The bare rooted ones were planted in the ground once again and have grown this year at least tweo feet already. Didn't mean to get off on winter sotrage but I felt it was appropriate as we were discussing plants with small roots/young plants. This is pretty important stuff to know concerning their care. ;-) Brad

Hi Tammy, check with the person receiving the cuttings to find out if they prefer them with, or without foliage. Some use methods benefiting from foliage. I prefer wrapping which doesn't require leaves on them. I use Priority Mail to send cuttings and seeds. The small and medium boxes are useful for most needs. They are free at the Post Office. You have a choice of regular or Flat Rate boxes, or you're supposed to. At my local Post Offices, they only stock the Flat Rate small boxes, but both types of the medium size. I attempt to cut the cuttings to fit the size box I'm planning to use. Normally, you can fit quite a few in a small box so most of the shipments I've made have used this size box. Most have wanted them without leaves, so more pieces of wood can fit than if the foliage was left on them. I tie and label each variety together so several can be stacked together while keeping them separated. I like to wrap them in damp newspaper then insert them in enough plastic shopping bags to seal them against drying out and prevent any moisture from leaking through and into the box. I'd pick up a few of the boxes and experiment to see how much you can pack in the sizes so you'll have a good idea what size to suggest when someone asks you for cuttings. As I said, most will fit in the small box, which, for Flat Rate, usually runs around $5.20, perhaps a little more now that postal rates have just increased. Using Priority Mail, most get delivered in two to three business days. For cuttings, you don't want soil as it isn't "hygienic", and probably not legal, plus it adds weight unnecessarily. You don't have to use ziplock bags, either. Simple produce bags wrapped and tied around a bundle of cuttings wrapped in damp newspaper have been completely fine being mailed across the country, and even to Europe. As for how many, that depends on what you have available and how many you want to send; how many varieties you wish to fit in what size box; how proficient the recipient is in rooting them; etc. I've sent one or two of a variety because that was all there was due to the plant size, and I've sent a large bundle to make sure they were successful, and I had it to send. You probably know how much material is necessary for you to have takes and can likely use that as a guide. Feel free to discuss that with the person receiving your material. Often, they can tell you what works for them and whether they would prefer receiving a lot, or a little of each variety. You'll quickly learn what to do and find it isn't written in stone. As long as they are kept damp and received in a relatively short time (less than a week), they'll usually be just fine. Kim

Shirley, I am so terribly sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. You and your family are in my prayers. Melinda, Fran, and Sassy, thanks for catching those woopsies. I've done it a few times in my recipes too. Dianne, your daylily is beautiful and the Riverwalk is so peaceful looking. How lucky you are to have that near you! Thank you everyone for all the wonderful recipes! I am so excited and proud of everyone for all their contributions! This is a great bunch of people and I can't wait to get the finished product out to all of you who made this possible. Sassy, I wanted to say a special thank you to you sweetie. This was a fantastic idea and is a wonderful way of pulling together all these amazing people from all over the country. You are a great lady. Thank you! Ok, I am off to vote and then get back to sorting the recipes. Keep sending those pictures to me. You can post here or email them to me. Thanks gang! Tracy