Temporarily Moving Black Eyed Susans

by Mary Kate
(New Jersey)

We are having a flower box redone. The box is filled with Black Eyed Susans and they will have to be removed and then replanted in the box after the job is done. I had planned on putting the flowers in pots and then transplanting them back into the box when the work is done. Will they be OK? They have not flowered yet and are about 8-12 inches tall.

Doug says if the plants are treated well they'll be fine. With something like this (a late transplant) I always like to spray the perennial with an anti-desiccant (like a Christmas tree preservative - a good garden center will know) to stop moisture loss. Then transplant carefully and keep the plant well watered for the short time it will be out of it's location.

when to plant in the South

by bob
(amelia island florida)

when do you plant black eyed susans in Northeast florida and when can you expect them to bloom?


Doug says you can plant the annuals at the same time as you would plant any other annual down there. The perennials I wouldn't bother with because you're going to find a problem getting them to go dormant and then they're going to peter out on you rather than survive to give you a great show. Go with the big blowsy-flowering annuals.

when is best time to transplant

by sandy
(london, canada)

When is the best time to transplant - fall or spring?

Doug says the best time to transplant is in the early spring - the earlier the better assuming you're talking about mature plants.

Second best time in northern gardens is the month of September. If you wait into October, the transplant success will go down.