Fall Roots bring Spring Shoots™

Growing perennials for a fall retail program offers several strategic advantages for retailers and grower-retailers. The warmer temperatures and increased light during late summer and early fall lead to faster crop times, allowing for quicker turnaround and fresher inventory. With more production space typically available after spring, growers can optimize their facilities and spread out labor more efficiently across seasons.

This approach extends the selling season, providing an additional opportunity for plant sales with fresh, high-performing products that don’t require markdowns – ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and profitability.

"48% of consumers purchased perennials in September or October."

Proven Winners Perennials Survey

Reduced Pressure

Compared with Spring and Summer, Fall features fewer pests, fewer active weed species, and reduced disease pressure.

Perfect Temperature

Cool fall air temperatures reduce heat stress on plants, while warm soil temperatures remain optimal for developing root growth as plants get their feet set before winter.

Increased Spring Growth

Overwintered plants set more eyes and growth points, typically resulting in a larger plant than those spring planted.

More Root Development

Most perennials push root growth as soon as the soil warms in spring. The fine root growth developed in this window improves heat and drought tolerance through summer months.

Tips for Building a Fall Retail Program

Take advantage of Labor Day weekend as a kick off to fall sales
Bring in fresh product and focus on benefits of fall planting vs. using this as a discount/clearance season
Push fall planting messages weekly on social media, focusing on perennials that do not traditionally show up on the bench in spring

To order signage or for assistance building a Fall Roots program, reach out to your Walters Gardens Regional Product Manager or Proven Winners Retail Solutions Manager.

Variety Recommendations and Timing Information for Fall Retail Sales

Achillea 'Firefly Peach Sky'

Achillea Firefly Collection

Input	Planting	Container	Finish Time
Bare Root	June	1-gal	6-8 wks
72ct Liner	June	1-gal	8-12 wks

Spring planted crops benefit from PGR spray(s) but may not need in summer.

Amsonia 'String Theory'

Amsonia 'String Theory'

Input	Planting	Container	Finish Time
Bare Root	June	1-gal

Bring in bare root late June for a bulky, quick turn crop. Spring planted crops benefit from PGR sprays, but may not need in summer.

Andropogon 'Blue Steel'

Andropogon 'Blue Steel'

Input	Planting	Container	Finish Time
30ct Liner	June	1-gal	7-9 wks
72ct Liner	Previous Year	1-gal

Grow best under warm temperatures and long days (warm season grasses).

Anemone FALL IN LOVE® 'Sweetly'

Anemone FALL IN LOVE® Series

Input	Planting	Container	Finish Time
30ct Liner	June	1-gal	6-8 wks
72ct Liner	June	1-gal	10-12 wks

Spring planted crops benefit from PGR spray(s) but may not need in summer.

Coreopsis v. 'Golden Needles'

Coreopsis v. DESIGNER THREADS® Series

Input	Planting	Container	Finish Time
30ct Liner	June	Trade-gal	6-8 wks
72ct Liner	June	Trade-gal	8-10 wks

72ct will benefit from 2-3 pinches to bulk. Spring planted crops benefit from PGR sprays, but may not need in summer.

Echinacea 'The Fuchsia is Bright'

Echinacea COLOR CODED® Series

Input	Planting	Container	Finish Time
30ct Liner	May-June	1-gal	6-8 wks
72ct Liner	May-June	Trade-gal	8-10 wks

Spring planted crops benefit from PGR spray(s) applied when flower stem is visible above canopy - may not need in summer.

Echinacea 'Raspberry Beret'

Echinacea DOUBLE CODED® Series

Input	Planting	Container	Finish Time
30ct Liner	May-June	1-gal	6-8 wks
72ct Liner	May-June	Trade-gal	8-10 wks

Spring planted crops benefit from PGR spray(s) applied when flower stem is visible above canopy - may not need in summer.

Echinacea Summersong® Firefinch™

Echinacea Summersong®

Input	Planting	Container	Finish Time
30ct Liner	May-June	1-gal	6-8 wks
72ct Liner	May-June	Trade-gal	8-10 wks

Spring planted crops benefit from PGR spray(s) applied when flower stem is visible above canopy - may not need in summer.

Heliopsis f. 'Forged in Fire'

Heliopsis helianthoides (False Sunflower)

Input	Planting	Container	Finish Time
Bare Root	June	1-gal	7-10 wks
72ct Liner	June	1-gal	10-12 wks

Spring planted crops benefit from PGR spray(s) but may not need in summer.

Heuchera 'Wildberry'

Heuchera DOLCE® Series

Input	Planting	Container	Finish Time
20ct Liner	June	1-gal	6-8 wks
72ct Liner	June	1-gal	10-12 wks

Spring planted crops benefit from PGR spray(s) but may not need in summer.

Heuchera 'Evening Gown'

Heuchera DRESSED UP® Series

Input	Planting	Container	Finish Time
20ct Liner	June	1-gal	6-8 wks
72ct Liner	June	1-gal	10-12 wks

Spring planted crops benefit from PGR spray(s) but may not need in summer.

Heuchera 'Peachberry Ice'

Heuchera PRIMO® Series

Input	Planting	Container	Finish Time
20ct Liner	June	1-gal	6-8 wks
72ct Liner	June	1-gal	10-12 wks

Spring planted crops benefit from PGR spray(s) but may not need in summer.

Hibiscus 'Valentine's Crush'

Hibiscus SUMMERIFIC® Series

Input	Planting	Container	Finish Time
Bare Root	April-May	3-gal	8-10 wks
72ct Liner	April-May	2-gal	10-12 wks

One pinch may be needed for plugs, for bare root pinch shoots to 4-5 nodes. For larger varieties - plugs benefit from PGR spray(s), for bare root use a PGR drench applied 1 week after pinch.