Re: Transplanting
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Transplanting
- From: J* I* J* <j*@ix.netcom.com>
- Date: Wed, 4 Jun 1997 15:43:15 -0600 (MDT)
terzol@winthrop.edu wrote:
>
> Well, now I'm confused! I was told by several members, John Jones, and
> Celia, that now was a good time to transplant. 2 months after blooming,
> or, in my area, (S.C.), June or July. Mid June should be about 2 months,
> since they bloomed. Or should I wait until next Fall to transplant, so
> as not have them struggle through the winter, (which is not really a "winter"
> here in the south. I am dividing and tranplanting because I did not get
> very much bloom, and they are very crowded..
Lorraine
Sorry for the confusion. I am not an expert, and I hope others will jump
in, but, that said...
No, do not wait until fall, but...
There are a couple of factors that are important.
Probably the most important for over-wintering is that you get them back
in the ground with enough growing weather so they can get new root
systems established - 2 months or so. That will help keep them from
heaving in the freeze/thaw action of winter, and give them a good start
for next year. That would seem to say that you should replant Mid Aug,
early Sep for your area (????) depending on when you get your first
frost/freeze.
Secondly, is to not dig them as long as they are rebuilding strength. I
don't know what they will do in your summer weather but as long as they
stay green, keep watering them (or allowing the rain to do it). until
about 6 weeks before you want to dig them. Then start decreasing the
amount of water you give them to harden them off for digging and
transplanting. They actually should start to go dormant on their own
pretty shortly. But if they don't, "hardening them off" will help ensure
they get the best chance after digging. You could actully leave them out
of the ground (in an airy, shady, dry place) for a week or two before
replanting.
All that aside, you can probably do whatever fits your fancy and they
would mostly survive anyway, just might not bloom AS well the next
spring.
Somebody jump in here. If I am wrong about something, please say so
loudly.
John | "There be dragons here"
| Annotation used by ancient cartographers
| to indicate the edge of the known world.
John Jones, jijones@ix.netcom.com
Fremont CA, USDA zone 8/9 (coastal, bay)
Max high 95F/35C, Min Low 28F/-2C average 10 days each
Heavy clay base for my raised beds.
