Starting Perennials Right with Careful Planting
Spring is everyones favorite time for flower gardening and planting perennials. Planting early in the spring will allow your plants more time to adjust before the hot days of summer arrive. Plants will bloom the first year that are purchased in large containers. Perennials you start from seeds in late winter will be small plants in late spring. These can be planted in April and May. Many won’t bloom the 1st year and some won’t bloom until the next year.
Although spring is when we all seem to be full of flower garden ideas, fall is also a good planting time in the South. As a rule, plant at least 6 weeks before hard-freezing weather occurs. Fall planted perennials have the benefit of a several months of root system production before hot weather ever arrives.
Preparing the soil is probably the single most important factor in growing perennials successfully. Adding organic matter (composted leaves, peat moss, aged manure) to the soil makes it much easier for you to plant in and for the plants to grow in.
If plants are pot-bound at planting time, loosen the roots around the bottom and sides of the root ball and spread them out in the bottom of the planting hole. Cover and firm the soil lightly around the plant. The base of the plant should be positioned at or just above ground level, never lower. Cover the planting area with a nice, thick layer of mulch after planting.
Unlike established trees and shrubs, most herbaceous perennials can be transplanted from one location in the garden to a new location with reasonable care. When new growth starts in spring or when the leaves die back in the fall are two of the best times to transplant.
Two important secrets to growing perennials successfully are watering and controlling weeds. Be sure you thoroughly water newly planted perennials. Watering is necessary every couple of days while plants are becoming established. Don’t ever let the ground fully dry out.
There is nothing beautiful about a weed filled perennial bed. Mulching well will go a long way in the battle against weeds. Mulch after planting perennials to keep moisture in the ground and to help control weeds.
