Why You Should Continue to Plant Perennials the Entire Fall Season

The crisp autumn air is upon us. The leaves are changing color and beginning their annual descent.

You may think that gardening season is over, but you would be wrong! Fall is actually the perfect time for planting many perennials.

Benefits of Planting Perennials in the Fall

You may be wondering why fall is such a good time to plant perennials. Here are some of the key benefits:

Discounted Plants

When summer transitions to fall, many garden centers and nurseries start clearing out their stock of perennials to make room for fall plants and holiday inventory. This means you can often find perennials at steep discounts in the fall.

We’re talking 50-75% off in many cases! It’s a great way to stock up on plants for a fraction of the cost.

Cooler Weather

Perennials planted in fall benefit from the cooler temperatures. While spring planting sounds nice in theory, the reality is the soil is still quite cold. This slows down root development. In fall, the soil retains warmth, allowing new perennial roots to establish quickly.

No Flowers or Fruit

Since perennials are not focused on producing flowers or fruit in the fall, they can concentrate their energy on developing strong root systems. This gives them a major leg up on spring planting. Come spring, your fall-planted perennials will be ready to thrive.

Rainfall

Many parts of the country see increased rainfall in the fall. This is ideal for keeping new perennial transplants hydrated without the need for constant watering.

Avoidance of Heat Stress

When planted in spring, perennials can suffer shock from summer heat waves. In the fall, this risk is eliminated. Newly established plants have time to prep for summer.

Prep for Next Year

Planting perennials in fall lets you plan for next year’s garden. You can address any spots that need a pop of color or fill gaps in the landscape. It’s much easier to visualize your garden’s needs when everything is in bloom.

When to Plant Perennials in Fall

Timing is key when it comes to fall perennial planting:

• Zones 3-5: Plant as early as possible in fall.
• Zones 6-7: Ideal window is late September through October.
• Zones 8-11: Lucky you – plant year round!

No matter your zone, plant at least 6 weeks before your average first frost date. This gives roots enough time to establish before winter dormancy.

Check your local frost dates and plant accordingly. If unsure of your zone, use this tool to find out.

Selecting Perennials for Fall Planting

You may be wondering which perennials do best when planted in fall. Here are some top options:

• Asters
• Chrysanthemums
• Sneezeweed
• Ornamental grasses
• Catmint
• Coral bells
• Coneflowers
• Russian sage
• Lavender
• Sage
• Coreopsis

Focus on hardy perennials suited to your zone. Local native plants are a great bet as they are adapted to your climate. Ask for recommendations at your local garden nursery based on what grows well in your area.

Finding Deals on Perennials

As mentioned above, fall is the perfect time to score discounted perennials. Here are some tips for finding deals:

• Shop end of season sales at local nurseries and garden centers. This is when huge markdowns happen as they clear out inventory. Go early for the best selection.
• Check the clearance racks and areas – this is where you’ll find the deeply discounted plants they are trying to move out. Look for healthy plants that just need some care.
• Ask if they have overstock they are trying to get rid of. Oftentimes sellers will happily let the plants go for cheap rather than holding them over winter.
• Check big box stores like Lowes and Home Depot. Their garden centers slash prices on remaining stock in fall.
• Browse online specialty growers for end of season savings. Sign up for email lists to get notifications of sales.

The most important thing is properly caring for your newfound deals when you get them home. More on that next.

Caring for Newly Planted Perennials

To give your discounted perennials the best chance at survival:

• Water thoroughly at planting time and let excess drain out the bottom of the pot.
• Give them a good drink once a week until the ground freezes.
• Stake tall perennials if needed to prevent frost heaving.
• Add 2-3 inches of mulch around the base once the ground has frozen solid. This prevents soil from alternately freezing and thawing.
• Hold off fertilizing until spring when plants are actively growing again.
• Be sure soil is well-draining to prevent soggy roots. Amend with compost if needed.
• Don’t worry if foliage dies back after frost – roots are safely established underground.

Follow these tips and even the most sad looking clearance perennial will be ready to thrive come springtime!

The Takeaway

Take advantage of fall planting for perennials – cooler weather, plant sales, and adequate rainfall give roots the perfect conditions to get established. You’ll have a head start on a beautiful garden next year without breaking the bank. A few hours of planting now pays off for years to come.

Get outside and enjoy the fresh fall air while checking this important garden chore off your list. Not only will you end up with a thriving perennial garden, but you’ll also save money and be prepared for next planting season.