Dividing your plants is a gardening task that delivers a ton of results. Whether you’re looking to boost the growth of older plants or double your stock, dividing is an easy way to achieve your goals.
But when considering dividing perennial plants, it’s vital to do so at the right time. This can mean the difference in a garden that thrives and one with a few sad or dead plants.
Understanding What is Being Done Dividers and their mechanics You can turn this garden task into a goldmine by knowing the right time to plant.
Benefits of Dividing Perennials
It is more than a chore you can check off your garden list. It is a practice that has many advantages for you and your plants.
To improve growth, the primary reason for dividing perennial plants. Overcrowded plants can be dense After a few years, the growth may start to die off in that spot. After a few years, the central growth can start to fade away and leave a gap surrounded with lush new growth. The plants will also produce fewer flowers as time goes on.
These tired plants are almost immediately rejuvenated by division. The roots get a little extra room to breathe, and the plant doesn’t have to expend energy on maintaining dying leaves and stems. Once replanted, you’ll see growth perk up again as if you were planting for the first time.
You can divide plants to increase growth or to reduce growth. Some perennials are prone to spreading out and crowding out other plants. Lifting and dividing It is possible to control their growth, and bring unruly plants under control.
Finally, there is the benefit I look forward to the most – more plants. The division method is a quick way to multiply your plants. There are many reasons to propagate plants, whether you want to plant them in a container, move them to a different part of your garden, or share with friends and family.
When to Divide Perennial Plants
Unfortunately, there is no ‘right time’ in the year to divide all your perennials. Like most things in gardening, the answer to when to divide is “it depends.” Several factors will determine Divide your money when?The conditions in your yard and garden will affect everything from the type of plant you’re growing to how it grows.
Let’s look at a few influences on dividing time and how you can use them to determine the perfect time to divide your specific plants.
Flowering Season
Perennials that flower in the spring are usually divided in the fall and perennials that bloom in autumn are generally divided in the spring.
This isn’t a strict limitation – many perennials can be divided in either season. These alternating times, however, take advantage of a Plants do not actively flower during the period of inactive growthAfter transplantation, they can focus on establishing their new roots.
In the winter and during the summer, there is little division. In summer, temperatures are too high to transplant. This can cause root stress or uprooting plants that may be in flower. Winter temperatures can be too low for perennials to grow roots. This stunts growth and may even cause the plant to die.
Depending on your climate, you can either wait until the late summer or sneak in a few extra weeks in early or late spring. Your best bet is to wait until spring or fall.
Climate Change
When you can divide depends on your climate and USDA Zone.
Divide perennials before the first frost to allow roots to grow. You can damage your plants if you divide or transplant them too late. Cold temperatures can kill new and vulnerable plantsThe winter is a time when any construction should be avoided.
The time required will vary depending on how fast your plants grow. Plant in the window four to eight weeks prior to the first frost. Slow-growing plants will need the most time.
Divide in the spring, if you are in a USDA zone with a low temperature where frost is likely to arrive soon. You will avoid any root damage by doing this, even if it means sacrificing a few spring blooms that year.
Plant Age
Divide perennials every two to four year to avoid overcrowding. This will also boost growth.
The number of years differs slightly depending on what you’re growing. Slow growers that don’t spread much can wait around Five years Even longer than that You can also use To be divided. That doesn’t mean you can’t divide sooner if conditions are right, just that you don’t have to divide sooner if you don’t want to.
Splitting plants with deep roots early is advisable because they dislike being disturbed once established. Splitting these plants within the first two years of growth will reduce the chance of transplant shock. Waiting until the plant has matured may cause problems.
It’s essential to understand your plants’ specific requirements and growth habits. This is a general guide to common perennials.
Aged 1-3 Years | Three to Five Years | 5 Years and Over |
Astilbe | Black-eyed Susan | Bleeding Heart |
Heuchera | Gaillardia | Lady’s mantle |
Garden phlox | Daylily | Peonies |
Coreopsis | Coneflower | Oriental poppy |
Size
It is possible to divide sooner than the plant’s age requires. You can divide plants to move them around in your garden, or to propagate. You do not need to divide. Don’t forget to choose perennials that are large enough Divide them first before you remove them.
It is usually possible to divide established and mature plants without any problems. You need to make sure that each section of a smaller plant has enough roots for it to survive. You also need to consider the reduction in the size of the new plants in your beds before you decide whether it’s worth dividing.
Health
Divide perennials that are overcrowded and tired to boost their growth. Divide plants that have been stressed by other factors.
If your perennials look lackluster due to incorrect care If you are a swimmer, for example, it is important to know how to swim in the water. Problems with pests and diseasePulling and splitting plants can increase the amount of stress on the plant, which will lead to a longer recovery time. It’s best to resolve the issues first and bring your plants back to good health before you put them through the trials of transplanting.
In the case of incorrect positioning or root problems, lifting and dividing your plants may be the solution. In some cases, you may want to wait until the plant has reached a stable growth stage before stressing it and causing transplant shock.
Temperature
The factors mentioned above influence the general timeframe. The temperature is the last consideration for the day.
Divide during cooler days, preferably in the early morning. On hot days, divide. Dry out the rootsThis increases your risk of transplant shock. It is essential that stems, leaves and roots are well hydrated to allow the plant to handle division.
It is for this reason that divisions are done in spring or fall and not summer or winter. When the weather forecast is unusually warm or cold (which is more common these days), you should wait until it is warmer before dividing.
Divide Perennial Plants
You should be able to determine the best time for division based on your garden and plants. All that is left is to divide. Grab your spade to get started:
- Dig down several inches in the soil around the plant’s root zone. Keep as much of the plant’s root system as you can.
- Lift the whole plant using your spade. Plants with deep root systems are more difficult to move. Shake any loose soil away to examine the roots.
- Use a disinfected, sharp knife to cut or pull apart the root ball. Cut smaller plants in two, and divide larger ones further.
- Replant as soon as possible into freshly prepared soil in order to minimize root exposure to air. Water the new roots after planting.
Final Thoughts
After a few seasons, perennial garden staples will need to be refreshed through division. These factors When to divide perennial plants For a lush, abundant garden.