Woman transplanting spring flower (Bellis) perennials

How to Transplant Container-Grown Perennials

Spring is the perfect time to add some color to your yard with some beautiful perennials. Perennials are plants that come back year after year, so they are a great investment for your garden.

Many nurseries and garden centers sell perennials that are already growing in containers. These are great because they are easy to transport and you can plant them as soon as you get them home. Here’s a quick guide on how to transplant container-grown perennials.

Perennials in container.
Perennials in container
  1. Choose a planting site for your perennial. Make sure the site has well-drained soil and gets at least six hours of sun per day. If you are not sure what kind of soil you have, you can take a sample to your local nursery or Cooperative Extension office to have it tested.
  2. Prepare the planting hole before you remove the plant from the container. The hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and just deep enough so the plant will be at the same level in the ground as it was in the container.
  3. Gently remove the plant from the container. Be careful not to damage the roots as you do this. You may need to gently loosen the roots with your fingers or a small blunt tool before you can get the plant out of the container.
  4. Place the plant in the prepared hole and fill in around it with soil, gently tamping it down as you go. Water thoroughly to settle the roots into their new home.
  5. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. Be sure to leave a space between the mulch and stem of the plant to prevent rot.

Conclusion

Transplanting container-grown perennials is a great way to add some color and life to your yard this spring. By following these simple steps, you’ll have your new plants transplanted in no time.