When is it too hot to plant native perennials? - Ask Extension
I'm brand new to gardening, so please bear with me.
Over the past month I've been planting perennials in my front yard (from the plant, not direct ...
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When is it too hot to plant native perennials? #866353
Asked April 29, 2024, 4:04 PM EDT
I'm brand new to gardening, so please bear with me.
Over the past month I've been planting perennials in my front yard (from the plant, not direct seeding) and everything seems to be in pretty decent shape with adequate watering. I would like to plant more, but I'm concerned the heat might be too taxing once daily high is consistently above 80 degrees. Would you recommend not planting after a specific day or should I be in the clear if I provide enough water and potentially shade? To be clear, I'm in zone 8a. Thanks.
Wake County North Carolina
Expert Response
It is true that cooler temperatures in early spring and fall are less stressful on new transplants. That being said, you can still plant perennials even as temperatures get warmer. The keys for success are adequate moisture and mulching. While you may be able to skip watering for a short time with no ill effects on your plants during cooler periods, new transplants with less developed root systems would suffer during our prolonged summer heat spells - consistent watering , as needed, is key. Combining that with proper mulching will help cool the roots and conserve soil moisture. Picking an overcast day to do your transplanting or doing the work early in the day will also help reduce transplant shock.
Thanks. I'll make sure to keep these points in mind.