Is October too late to plant perennials?
You can technically plant perennials in fall right up until your area’s first frost, but giving them at least 4 to 6 weeks beforehand helps roots settle and survive winter. Many perennials follow the 3-year rule: they sleep in the first year, creep in the second, and leap in the third. Understanding this natural growth cycle helps manage expectations and ensures long-term gardening success.Understanding the 3-year rule of perennials—where they sleep in the first year, creep in the second, and leap in the third—can help gardeners set realistic expectations and have lasting success. Here’s what you need to know about how perennials grow and what to expect during each phase.