Baptisia Planting Time

Question

I live in northern NJ and want to plant a Baptisia established plant from a gallon container purchased at a nursery. When is the right time to plant? Summer? Wait until September? Thanks

Answer 1

The question is which is worse, leaving a potentially root-bound plant in its container or planting something in summer heat. Baptisia has a taproot and should be planted before the taproot starts circling the bottom of the container. Water the plant well a day ahead of time. Loosen all encircling roots and try to straighten (gently!) the taproot. Make sure your hole is dug deeply enough to accommodate it. Water well. Concoct some shade with a cloth or leaf bag or whatever is on hand. It should have afternoon shade for up to a week. Mulch. Water all the way through fall; roots that go into winter dehydrated are much more likely to succumb to winter kill. More information here: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/baptisia/moving-a-baptisia-plant.htm