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Fall is the perfect time to add perennials to your garden! Perennials started in the fall will develop strong root systems months before spring arrives, which is great for their hardiness and success. This leads to bigger and healthier plants next year. And a bonus, garden centers often offer great deals during late summer and early fall as they clear out inventory before winter.
Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant Some Perennials
Many expert gardeners say autumn is the best time to plant perennials. Fall gives you and your plants several advantages.
Cooler temperatures
Fall's mild weather is great for planting new perennials. The cooler temperatures help plants settle in after the summer heat, rather than just trying to survive. This weather allows plants to adjust to their new spots with less stress.
Soil is still warm
The air cools in the fall, but the soil retains its summer warmth. This mix of cool air and warm earth creates the best growing conditions. Roots grow well in this environment as long as the soil stays above 40°F. Your perennials will keep growing strong roots through fall and even winter in mild areas.
Fewer pests and diseases
There's another reason fall planting works so well: garden pests and diseases naturally decline. Insects become less active as it gets cooler, so your new plants can grow without getting attacked. On top of that, fewer weeds pop up in the fall, which means less competition for water and nutrients. Your perennials can put all their energy into growing strong roots instead of fighting off invaders.
Stronger spring growth
The best reason to plant perennials in the fall might be the jumpstart they get on spring growth. Fall-planted perennials receive two growing seasons: fall and spring. These plants grow earlier and stronger in spring because their roots are already set before winter. Then you'll see better growth and more flowers than spring-planted perennials.
Top Perennials to Plant in Fall for Spring Blooms
Here's a guide to help you pick the best options for your fall planting schedule.
Daffodils
The cheerful daffodil is one of the most dependable spring bloomers, returning year after year with minimal care. Daffodils are deer-resistant and grow in zones 3-8. They are adaptable and will grow in full sun or partial shade. Daffodils multiply naturally to create a dense pop of brilliant color in the early spring.
Tulips
These popular perennials come in almost every color imaginable. They grow best in zones 3-8 and prefer full sun. Most tulips tend to fade after a couple of years, especially in warmer areas or those with clay-heavy soils. In these locations, plant them as annuals or pick varieties bred specifically to last longer.
Hyacinths
Hyacinths' intoxicating fragrance makes them a must-have. These perennials thrive in zones 4-8 in bright, sunny locations. They have dense spikes of fragrant blooms in blue, purple, pink, white, yellow, and red. Their exceptional scent makes them worth replanting despite their shorter lifespan compared to other spring bulbs.
Alliums
These dramatic flowers create a striking focal point in the garden. Alliums have perfectly round heads that sit atop slender stems. They're very elegant! Alliums' sizes range from tiny 5-inch varieties to impressive 5-foot giants. They are deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, and thrive in zones 5-8 when grown in full sun. Their eye-catching spheres, available in purple, white, yellow, or pink, also attract butterflies and last well into summer.
Grape Hyacinths
Grape hyacinths (Muscari) create beautiful carpets of deep blue, purple, or white blooms that look like tiny grape clusters. These small perennials multiply naturally in zones 4-8. They're ideal for borders or naturalizing beneath trees.
Snowdrops
These white droplet-like flowers lead the spring parade, often pushing through snow to signal winter's end. Snowdrops grow well in zones 3-7 and prefer rich, well-draining soil. Early-season honeybees love these flowers, making them valuable additions to the garden for pollinators.
Tips for Successful Fall Planting and Care
A few key steps will help your garden succeed year after year.
Prepare soil
Add 1-2 inches of compost to enhance nutrient levels. This abundant organic material forms a nutrient reservoir that breaks down during winter and supports root growth while fostering biological activity. The majority of perennials thrive in slightly acidic soil with pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
Water deeply before the ground freezes
The watering schedule should shift from weekly to every other week as fall temperatures decrease. The plants need one final deep watering after the first hard frost hits 25°F or lower.
Mulch
The ground needs 2-3 inches of mulch once it freezes. This protective barrier keeps soil temperature steady and stops frost heave damage. Leave 2-3 inches between the mulch and stems to keep pests away and allow the plant to breathe.
Avoid fertilizing until spring
Your garden doesn't need powerful fertilizers in the fall. These products might trigger new growth that frost can damage. The best time to fertilize is in early spring when fresh growth appears.