The Window to Plant Perennials Is Quickly Closing — What to Do For Recurring Blooms

• Plant perennials in spring and fall when temperatures are not too extreme and rainfall is adequate.
• Prepare seeds and transplants a few weeks before you plan on putting them in the ground.
• There are plenty of perennials to pick from, so always start looking at local wildflowers first.

If you want perennial plants to settle in as quickly and easily as possible, it pays to get them in the soil at the right time. Perennials planted in summer are more at risk of transplant shock, while perennials planted in winter can succumb to cold damage.

Whether you’re growing plants from seed or transplants, here’s exactly when to plant perennials so they thrive, plus a list of eye-catching flowers you might want to add to your garden this growing season.

When to Plant Perennials

Although perennials can technically be planted in any season, most perennials grow best if they’re planted either in spring or fall. Temperatures are cooler in these seasons, which helps reduce planting stress and limits the risk of transplant shock. Rainfall is also typically more abundant in these seasons, which can reduce the amount of water you need to provide to new plantings.

Exactly when to plant perennials can vary slightly depending on the type of plant you’re growing and whether you’re growing perennials from seeds or transplants.

From Seed

Some perennial seeds can be started indoors in early to mid-spring, but seeds that need cold stratification should either be stratified indoors in the fridge in early spring or directly sown outside in late fall so they can naturally cold stratify over winter.

As Transplants

For transplants, plant perennials that flower in spring and early summer in autumn, and perennials that flower in late summer to autumn in spring. This will ensure your plants have time to settle in before their flowering season begins.

Planting perennials after the last spring frost or at least 4 weeks before autumn frosts are expected in your area can help you avoid cold-damaged plants too. Just be sure to get your plants in the soil before hot summer weather kicks in.

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How to Plant Perennials

Most gardeners grow perennials from potted or bareroot plants purchased from garden centers or seed catalogs, but you can also grow most perennials from seed and save money on your garden—as long as you don’t mind waiting a little longer for your plants to bloom.

From Seed

Perennials that are native to cold areas may need to be cold stratified before planting; always read seed packets for specific planting information.

If your plants need cold stratification, place the seeds on a damp paper towel in a sealed and labeled Ziploc baggie. Then, pop them into your fridge for a few weeks before you intend to plant them indoors in early to mid-spring.

Seeds (including those that don’t need stratification) should be planted in pots or seedlings cells filled with a pre-moistened seed starting mix about six to eight weeks before your last frost date. Lightly scatter the seeds across the soil, water them in, and place them under a grow light until they sprout. Once the seeds germinate, thin out extra seedlings if needed, then harden them off and transplant your plants outdoors into pots or garden beds after the risk of frost has passed.

As Transplants

Perennials can be sold either as potted plants or bareroot without any pots at all. Bareroot plants should be rehydrated by soaking them in water for 3 to 6 hours before you plant them. Potted perennials don’t need to be pre-soaked, but you will need to gently remove their pots and tease apart any encircling roots before planting.

When you’re ready to plant your perennials in spring or fall, dig a planting hole that’s just slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. Amend the excavated soil with a bit of compost, aged manure, or worm castings to give your perennials some nutrients to grow, and then place your plant in the hole so that the top of its root ball is roughly even with the soil line. Backfill the hole with soil, water the plant in, and add about 1 to 3-inches of mulch around the base of the plant to reduce weeds. Make sure the mulch line is at least 1 to 2-inches away from the plant’s stem to keep rot from setting in.

Perennials to Add to Your Garden This Year

There are lots of stunning perennials for sun or shade, as well as plants that serve particular purposes like attracting pollinators or edible perennials for herb gardens. Here are a few popular perennials you may want to add to your flower beds this season, but don’t forget about native plants!