What Is The Best Season for Planting Perennials?

A gardening expert answers whether you should plant your perennials now or later.

Ready to get your garden growing this spring? You probably have a few plants, flowers, and vegetables in mind. Perhaps you're considering perennials such as rosemary, ferns, or lavender. But is this the right time of year to plant them? What is the best time for planting perennials, and what are the ways to ensure your beautiful plants thrive? Here's what you need to know for your most verdant garden yet.

Meet Our Expert

• Kaylyn Hewitt, lead floral designer and senior content manager for The Bouqs

Related: Annual vs. Perennial Plants: What Are the Differences?

What Is the Best Season for Planting Perennials?

Perennials technically can survive all seasons, but if you want to plant one, the best time to do that is after the last frost, says Kaylyn Hewitt, lead floral designer and senior content manager for The Bouqs.

However, if it is quite a bit past the last frost in your hardiness zone, that doesn’t mean there isn’t an opportunity to plant your perennials for the season. It is best to get on this immediately, though. According to Hewitt, planting your perennials at the beginning of spring is okay if it is not too hot outside. So, if it's before Memorial Day and perhaps you are still wearing a jacket outside, don’t wait. Buy your seeds as soon as possible because you may still be within a good planting window.

Alternatively, if it’s a little too warm to plant your perennials right now, you haven't lost your opportunity for the year. You just need to wait for the temperatures to start dropping again. “You can also plant your garden before the first frost in fall.”

According to Hewitt, "The benefits of the fall weather will allow for your plant’s roots to grow stronger before the colder months.” You may also need to surround your new plants with mulch to keep them warm during the winter.

Related: How to Grow a Year-Round Garden With Color and Interest Every Season

What Is the Worst Season for Planting Perennials?

If temperatures are rising and you’re spending your time at the beach, take that time to enjoy the sand instead of spending the days tending to your garden.

“I would not suggest planting your perennial garden in the summer. The temperatures are a bit too harsh for new plants, and you will need lots of water to ensure survival,” says Hewitt. “You want your plants to develop nice strong roots before the summer months.”

Extra Considerations

Before you plant your perennials, it’s crucial to take care of the soil. “That includes adding compost or any nutrient-rich organic matter that is going to create a healthy spot for your plants to thrive. Since the goal is for the plants to stay in the same spot for many years, you want to make sure the soil is well taken care of,” says Hewitt.

Another thing to keep in mind: While you might be excited to plant your garden in the coming weeks, don’t forget that not all perennials have the same soil, water, and care requirements. So, be sure to research your plants before buying seeds. Then plan out your garden for the season and create a maintenance schedule. 

Related: 9 Easy-to-Grow, Flowering Plants to Elevate Your Home's Curb Appeal

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