Should you plant perennials in autumn or is it better to plant them in spring? Many hobby gardeners ask themselves this question. In our article you will learn that both variants are possible, depending on the plant.
When is the best time to plant perennials?
The optimal planting time for perennials varies depending on the species. Most perennials should be planted in the fall, between September and October. Frost-sensitive perennials, such as certain varieties of lilies, do better when planted in the spring, in March, April or May.
The right time to plant perennials
Most perennials want to be planted in autumn, between September and October - i.e. in the first weeks of the “third season”. Planting at this time makes sense for the following reasons:
- The perennials have already completed their above-ground growth.
- The roots of the plants can continue to grow in warm soil.
These conditions offer the perennials optimal conditions to prepare well for spring. Ideally, temperatures will remain mild for a long time until winter sets in. There should also be sufficient rainfall.
Attention: We recommend that you plant your perennials by mid-October at the latest. If you plant at the end of October or even in November, it is likely that the root system will not be able to stabilize enough to survive the winter unscathed. So don't hesitate too long. If in doubt, it is better to wait until spring. Speaking of which
When to plant perennials in spring?
Apart from missing the right moment in autumn, there are other reasons for planting perennials in spring. In this context, frost-sensitive plants should be particularly mentioned. These include, among others, certain types of lilies. Such perennials can start life much he althier if they don't have to struggle with cold in the first few months. In short, you allow frost-sensitive perennials to grow and thrive more easily if you plant them in spring.
A note on the side: The majority of perennials are not sensitive to frost and are easy to overwinter.
In spring, plant your perennials in March, April or May, depending on the specific type.
But be careful: spring sometimes brings with it long dry periods. That's why it's very important to water the freshly planted perennials regularly and, above all, sufficiently.
By the way: Transplanting perennials should preferably be done in spring, between the end of March and the beginning of May, depending on the weather.
Perfect planting time for perennials in pots
If you want to grow your perennials in containers, you are not limited to a specific planting season. Instead, in this case you have the opportunity to plant perennials all year round.
Concluding remarks
Planting perennials isn't all that complicated. However, there are a few aspects that need to be taken into account. For example, you should ensure that each individual species gets exactly the location it needs. There are perennials that need plenty of sun, while others thrive in partial shade or even shade. It is also important not to leave the perennials without soil for too long when planting or transplanting.
