Here in the U.S., the Harvest Moon marks the season to begin transplanting our perennials and planting new bulbs. You may have already seen some spring bulbs at garden stores. It’s a great time to set out daffodils, dutch irises, hyacinths, and tulips. Winters are too warm in the south for tulips, but they can be grown indoors in the spring.
If you are in a very warm climate, you can wait and transplant after the Hunter’s Moon, which follows the Harvest Moon every year. Remember to transplant perennials after the Full Moon and before the New Moon.
Perennials benefit from being planted in the waning moon phases because they regrow from a root, tuber, or corm come next spring. Transplanting now allows them the benefit of settling in during the winter months.
I start transplanting when the leaves are still green to get a better idea of how the plant will look in its new spot. Plants that have done well in pots in a certain location can find a permanent home now.
Gladiola
Perennials to transplant include irises, gladiolas, ferns, amaryllis, lilies, and anything that grows from the same rootstock each year, including perennial herbs. Take cuttings to root and increase your bounty next year!
The water and earth signs, except for Virgo, are the best signs for transplanting your perennials.
If you’re setting out onions, they are also happy with the fire signs, especially Aries. This is because onions, leeks, and garlic are ruled by Mars, which also rules Aries, a fire sign.
Happy Autumn and happy planting!
Lunar Home and Garden 