I've had problems finding a metal marker tall enough that they wouldn't disappear into my daylilies., I look and looked and finally ordered what I thought was a good deal for 50 stakes & plates that stood 11-inches tall. ($26.95 + $9.95 S+H). I received them nicely made but I quickly realized the stakes would have to go deep, keeping the plates low to the ground.

Today I finally found a site here in MI, it's products made in the USA, and after pulling out my calculator and getting a cost per item, I realized I need to order from the new kid on the block.

Here is the home page: https://everlastlabel.com/inde... '

You can find a chart of recommended sizes for different plants. Standard Daylilies have the E or F Series tall markers recommended. Here is the link for the 22-inch tall F-Tall Display Maker: https://everlastlabel.com/inde...

Several things to mention: You have options to upgrade to heavy-zinc name plates (inexpensive) and stainless steel stakes (expensive). Parts are available for replacement should a marker or wire disappear. And finally, shipping is included in the cost of the markers.

I originally purchased 50 11-in markers for $36.90. Besides being to short for most of my cultivars, I also need 50 more. At Paw Paw's site, I can buy a bundle of 100 22-inch markers for approximately $55.00 (including shipping). For me personally the 100 markers is the sweet spot at this time. However, they do have a smaller bundle as well as several much larger bundles for people that run farms and nurseries. They also offer a $6.00 collection where you can get one of each of the types/sizes of makers they make in case you can't quite make up your mind!

I am tired of markers and pens whose ink fades or smears or the marker itself crumbles from exposure after the 2nd year. These look built to last. Besides being able to use a pen or embosser on them, you have the option of using Avery 5520 Weatherproof Labels to print your labels, then stick them on the marker. Reports I've read state they last well for years and if they begin to decline, simply print a new one and place it over the old one (another option if your penmanship, like mine, leaves something to be desired). Some people also mention having success with Brother label maker system. Paw Paw's site addresses some of these other option,

Anyway, I hoped someone would find this useful and maybe save them time having to look for taller makers. ,

Hi John, I've ordered from Paw Paw for a few years now and have been satisfied with the stakes and plates I've received. Last year I accidentally ordered the 22" stakes. At least I can go further in the ground with them or cut them off if they are too tall. Usually though, once the foliage is up, a tall stake is nice to have.

I don't remember if I ordered galvanized wire or stainless steel ($30.00 more) on this last order, but I know the galvanized wire ones rust and eventually have to be replaced after about 5 years.

I use a Brother labeler and really love it

I have ordered the stainless steel from Kincaid and love them. I only order 25 at a time because of the price but it is worth it. They are so much more sturdier and the wires are so strong that they never bend out of shape. Last winter they made it through in awesome shape. I also use a Brother labeler.

I have never found a Display Marker tall enough so I use 1/2" thin wall pvc 24" long to put the markers in. you can paint the pvc green if you don't like white. Very cheap and the markers do not rust. I also use the Brothers labeler.

John,

I have ordered from Paw Paw a couple years now and use the Avery labels too. I use a can of clear spray sealant to coat the label after printing and they last longer. Without spraying, the labels do fade with exposure to the sun and rain after about a year. The sealant I've used is Krylon Crystal Clear.


edited to add that if have always used the galvanized stakes and so far knocking on head, not had any issues with them corroding...

All the way down in the Southern Hemisphere I use Paw Paw heavy-zinc name plates and stainless steel stakes - and pencil for markers. I am quite happy so far.



(I am always complaining how I manage to get the name nameplates in photos without noticing them and ruin the photos - but can I find a photo with a name plate in it when I want one.........)

funny Glen!

Fred, I really like your stakes!

I have used Kincaids from the beginning and love them. Do wish I had ordered their tallest. A tree fell on several and they survived just a few labels bent but straighten ok.

I've been using the tall stakes for PawPaw for a long time. I started out getting the regular labels then went to the heavy duty ones. I would highly recommend the heavy labels. I would love to get the stainless stakes but cannot afford that (would need close to 400 to replace). I use the Avery labels too and they do need to be replaced at least every two years. I'm going to try the Krylon Crystal Clear as Stan mentioned.

Stan, do you spray them after you put the label on the plate? Or can you spray a whole sheet of the labels before removing them?

Fred, I like your method using the 1/2" PVC pipe. I'm going to give that a try this year in my seedling bed.

As yo can see, I couldn't even find the labels without using the pvc in the seedlings.

@petruske

Sue, I spray them after affixing the label. Also I usually spray a couple light coats allowing them to dry in-between. I'll have to see about getting some pictures of mine. I actually dated a few of them last year on the backs of the plate. A mini experiment to see just how long they will go before needing replaced. Trouble is, I cant remember which ones I dated...

I guess I will have to look at the backs of each label until I find them...

Thanks to everyone for the great ideas and suggestions! In addition to the Paw Paw's I'll also check out the Kinkaids for sure. I liked the idea of being able to use the Avery 5520 with my laser printer and then spray them with Clear Krylon. However, I think my sister has a Brother printer so I'll have to look into it...my main concern is a legible label! I was also looking into the heavy-duty plates for the labels, quite inexpensive and upgrade. The stainless wires should last and last but at the price. I'll also check out the PVC pipe and that's an interesting way to handle it so you can cut the lengths you need. Keep on adding ideas, they've very helpful and much appreciated!

For those that would like to check out the Kincaid Markers, here is the link to their site: http://www.kincaidplantmarkers...

***Update***

I located one of the labels and for some reason it is showing signs of the clear flaking off... I wondering if it was because of the natural oils from my hands affixing the label. Some of the labels are fine without the flaking and some not. I'm wondering if I should try a poly spray. I just don't like the poly spray's because they sometimes yellow over time.










Maybe experiment and see what works best for you.