Fall Is the Perfect Time to Plant Perennials

When it comes to planting perennials, spring gets most of the attention. But for many plants, fall is actually the better time to get them in the ground.

Cooler temperatures, warm soil, and more consistent moisture create ideal conditions for establishing roots. By the time spring arrives, fall-planted perennials are ready to take off.

Here are some of the biggest advantages of planting perennials in the fall:

Better Root Development

• Warm soil + cool air = happy roots. Soil temperatures often remain warm well into fall, encouraging root growth even as above-ground growth slows.

• Plants can concentrate their energy on establishing roots rather than producing lots of leaves and flowers.

• A strong root system gives plants a valuable head start when spring arrives.

  
  

Less Watering

• Fall weather is generally cooler, which means less moisture is lost through evaporation.

• Seasonal rainfall provides much of the water newly planted perennials need.

• You still need to water newly planted plants until they are established, but keeping them hydrated is often easier in the fall.

  
  

Less Transplant Stress

• Fall's cooler conditions put less heat stress on newly planted perennials.

• Plants have time to settle into their new homes before facing the demands of rapid spring and summer growth.

  
  

A Head Start on Spring

• Come spring, fall-planted perennials already have established roots.

• Instead of starting from scratch, they can put their energy into new growth, flowers, and fruit.

• Established plants may grow faster and more vigorously than newly planted spring specimens.

  
  

A Longer Growing Season—Underground

• Just because the flowers have faded doesn't mean the plant has stopped growing.

• Many perennials continue developing their root systems long after their above-ground growth slows.

  
  

More Time to Plant

• Fall can be a less hectic time in the garden.

• Spring often brings a rush of planting, pruning, weeding, and other garden chores.

• Fall gives gardeners a chance to spread out the work and get next year's garden started before winter.

  
  

Important reminders

Fall planting isn't simply a matter of waiting until the last possible moment.

• Give plants enough time to establish roots before the ground freezes.

• The ideal planting window varies considerably depending on your climate and the perennial.

• Newly planted perennials should be watered thoroughly at planting, and regularly if rain does not provide enough water. They should also be protected with an appropriate layer of mulch.

• Avoid piling mulch directly against plant crowns or stems, which can encourage rot.

Plant Now, Enjoy Later

Fall planting requires a little faith. Your new perennial may not look particularly impressive as winter approaches—and that's okay.

The real work is happening underground.

While the garden rests above the soil, your newly planted perennials can be quietly establishing the roots they'll need for next year's growth.

For many perennials, fall isn't the end of the gardening season. It's the beginning of next year's garden.