News from the Farm
Dividing perennials
Mark Crosby

The month of October is a good month to plant new perennials and to divide or relocate perennials in the Central part of Georgia. Planting or transplanting now will allow the roots to get re-established during the usually mild weather months of November and December. If the plants are placed now, the roots should be well established by spring and support rapid growth and optimum flowering.

There are several reasons to relocate or at least divide and replant perennials. The main reason is that many perennials grow into large clumps or colonies of plants. These colonies tend to compete for nutrients, water, and root space. As the competition increases, the vigor of the entire group of plants is lowered.

Hosta, iris, phlox, daylilies, and Shasta daisies can remain vigorous if divided every 3 to 4 years. With a little care and patience, these plants can easily be divided by hand and relocated at a proper spacing. Here are a few basic steps to follow when dividing perennials.

Step one is to gently dig up the clump at the edge of the dense root system. Step two is to gently knock off the soil from the plants. Step three is to carefully feel through the root system for natural root clusters or points of separation. Step four is to gently pull the clumps apart. If the clumps require too much energy to divide, use a pair of sharp pruning sheers to make the final division. Ripping, snatching, chopping and tearing roots can increase the chance for disease so be careful when dividing roots.

After the plants are lifted and divided, the individual plants can be replanted after the beds are prepared. Keep in mind that individual plants ready for replanting should be kept out of direct sunlight to keep them from becoming too dry.

Preparing a perennial bed is simple. Add the recommended amendments, then till or loosen the soil to at least 12 inches deep. If you add fertilizer, keep the nitrogen level very low to avoid new growth that can be easily killed by frost. Space the newly divided perennials according to recommended spacing, and be sure to water the plants enough to completely saturate the root zone.

After watering the perennials, cover the bed with 3 inches of pine straw mulch. The straw will help to control erosion, reduce soil compaction, , keep the soil cool, prevent early warm-up, and premature growth.

October is an excellent month for dividing most perennials. Doing so now will help you have a great blooming spring and summer. For more information on these and other topics of interest, call Mark Crosby at 237-1226 or visit the Emanuel County Extension Office on Anderson Street.

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