How to Plant Bareroot Perennials: A Step-By-Step Manual for Gardeners
Bareroot perennials can start a garden and develop for many years with splendid flowers. Planting these perennials involves a number of steps, such as how to choose a proper site as well as the post-planting care of the plants. This article details the steps and provides answers to any other questions related to the bareroot perennials, planting, and care that may come to mind.
How to Prepare Bareroot Perennials for Planting
Before planting bareroot perennials, several steps must be taken in regards to the plants and the site for planting. Take the plants and, with a naked eye, start determining the conditions of the roots. Check to see if any roots are damaged, diseased, or dried. A bareroot perennial with healthy roots will be firm to touch, devoid of any spots or discoloration.

How to Select the Site
Unlike most perennials, bare-root perennial plants require to be situated in places with well-drained soil as well as receiving adequate light. If this is not the case, choose a site that has a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight every day and is not obstructed by other plants or structures. When planting in a garden bed, the soil must be rich in compost or decayed plants and animals, known as organic matter, and the shaft soil must be a neutral, or weakly acidic.Soil Assessment
Soil Testing
Before planting, it's bio-logic to check on the crop lime and nutrient compositions as well as the soil balance. If the balance is off, soil amending is necessary with garden and compounders, peat, and binder fertilizers among other materials.
Planting Bareroot Perennials
Soaking the roots for a few hours before planting provides roots with the necessary hydration needed to start the growth process and the upper part retains root growth so the heralds can help spread the roots.
Planting Process
Digging the hole. The only step is to take the root system and gently keep and position it to the left of the root system so the system can spread and untangle.
Possetting the Roots Note and the only thing left is to take the part with the roots extended, so the cylinders can all come loose like the clay and lower it down.
Back- Filling The soil can be gently placed back into the hole with a loose roots system and the crown of the roots still needs to cover just a lil bit so it can rot out.

Taking Care of Newly Planted Bareroot Perennials
Watering
Water each bareroot perennial as they are fully planted. With each tap, make sure it goes into the soil so it soaks the soil around the roots and settles the soil. Moving forward, they should have moisture, especially the first few weeks so roots are established. DO NOT overwater as the soil should NOT be soggy, as it can rest and rot.
Mulching
Make sure to put a layer of mulch on the perimeter of the plant to make sure the moisture is kept there, and temperature remains stable. With organic mulch like wood straws, chips, and bark with straw, make sure it is not directly on the crown.
Fertilizing
Most perennials are not heavy feeders, and only a balanced, slow-release fertilizer is necessary at planting time to ensure a strong start. Later, dilute a balanced fertilizer and apply 1 - 2 times during the plant’s active growth to nourish the perennials.
Monitoring and Maintaining Your Perennials
During the first weeks of settling, it is crucial to your care process that you monitor the progress of growth in the new environment. Look for signs of shedding and changing colors of the leaves, as well as limbs and stems of the plants, which are signs of stress. Removing damaged and dead foliage helps new growth to emerge easier.
Frequently inspect the plants for pests and diseases, and mitigate their effects on the plant's health. Weeds that impede water and nutrient absorption are also critical in the earliest growth phase.
Prepared to Begin Tree Planting?
Our TN Nursery standing allows us to provide our customers with high quality bareroot perennials. We stand out for our shrubs, trees, and perennials because they are high quality and make your garden thrive. Explore our wide collection today to make the dream garden of your choice and take that pivotal step forwards.
FAQs
How do you plant bare root perennials?
To plant bare root perennials, first, soak the roots in water for a few hours, if they are dry. Then, dig a hole that your root system can spread in, plant it with the crown at the soil surface, and backfill with soil. Make sure to water it properly to help settle the soil and also to help in the root growth.
What is the 3 year rule for perennials?
The 3-year rule indicates that for most perennials, it takes about 3 years to establish and fully grow. In the first year, developing a sturdy system is the main focus. The second year you will see growth and in the third year the plants will begin flourishing.
Do you need to soak bare roots before planting?
Yes, soaking bare roots before planting them hydrates the roots is essential, more so if bare them appear to be dry. Allowing them to soak for a few hours makes them more likely to absorb enough moisture and makes them more likely to establish their roots.
Is October too late to plant perennials?
It is generally accepted that perennials should be planted in the early spring or in the fall. October can be a planting month for various regions, especially ones that don’t have frozen soil. Provide them more attention to make them healthy, like adding mulch, to keep them safe in the winter.
Can you plant bare root perennials in fall?
Certainly, fall remains the best month to start roots of perennials, especially in places where winters are pleasant. Unlike other seasons, fall is the best to keep roots before the colder months. However, make sure the roots are stored in water and thick covers to guard the roots.
What is the 70/30 rule in gardening?
The 70/30 rule in gardening is the proportion of effort and results that a gardener has to make to achieve a desired outcome. This means that, if a person has adequate knowledge, the correct tools, and the proper timing, along with the external factors, then the results of the work will be 30%.
