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When to Divide Perennials
Springtime is prime time to divide perennials, especially those that bloom in summer and fall. Dividing in spring gives the young perennial divisions several weeks to establish before the weather heats up.
In spring, you can clearly see the new growth as the perennial emerges from the ground. And when leaves are small, it’s easier to determine where you can divide the perennial. Waiting runs the risk of damaging the leaves, roots and stems on larger, fuller plants.
Besides expanding your garden, spring perennials may need to be divided in spring because they’re growing too close together. Or maybe they’ve outgrown their space and are pushing against a fence, tree, sidewalk or other fixture. Yet another cry for division is when plants develop the donut look, with all new growth at the perimeter of the root ball and a dead center.
Gardening tools you may need include a garden spade or shovel with a sharp blade (or a garden fork). Also a pruning saw, serrated bread knife or similar tool for cutting through the root ball.
Note: If a plant does the “dividing” for you by self-sowing new plants, dig up those seedlings with a trowel. Then transplant or share with others.
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Aster
Divide asters as soon as you see new growth coming out of the ground in spring.
Dig and lift the root ball with a shovel. Cut the ball into however many pieces you want with a tree pruner or other serrated blade. Try to get at least one large bunch of leaves in each division. Transplant divisions to a sunny location and water well. Divide asters about every three years.
