When should I divide Daylillies?
Question:
Answers:
Division is best done in the spring and early fall to give the plants a few weeks to adjust before the weather becomes extremely hot or cold. For fall dividing, at least 6 weeks before the first frost date is a general rule. Those with severe winters (especially zones 3 & 4) are at greatest risk of losing plants over the winter, so spring is a better time to divide. In hot climates (for example zones 9 & 10) more plants are lost in the summer months due to heat stress, so dividing in the fall may be best.
After receiving fans, soak them in water for 2 hours and then plant as soon as possible. If you can’t plant them right away, keep them in a cool, dry place. They can be planted spring through fall, but no later than one month before the first hard freeze in your area.
For the best blooming, plant in an area that receives 6 hours of sun per day. Dark colored varieties will last longer if given afternoon shade.
To maintain a healthier plant or to transplant part of a variety to a new location, dividing may be the answer. When the clump (the root area next to the ground) becomes dense, with over 15-20 fans, it may be divided. To divide, dig up the clump and wash off the dirt. Cut the leaves back so that they are approximately 6 inches above the roots. Use a shovel or fork to gently break the fans apart. The most desirable transplant size is 2-3 fans.
Any time after flowering, but not when it's very hot.
autumn
After they bloom and have had about 6 extrs weeks of being in the ground to absorb nutrients into their rhizomes to add extra nutreints to jump start them the following season..In New England I do this in October..this works for me with my spring bulbs also.
September or October. The same with iris.
Daylilies are very hardy plants & will handle it anytime, although Spring & Fall are the best. Dividing them in the Summer will have them looking 'sick' during most of the Summer - - but they will be growing next year as if nothing happened. If I had to divide during the Summer, I watered the disturbed plantings daily (preferably in evening so not to 'burn' them when hot). This also gives them a better start for next year.
Other flowers I would recommend sticking to the basic Fall schedules.
Late fall or winter, they don't like being divided when they have active growth.
More Related Questions & Answers...