If you’ve decided to add some ivy to your garden, you’re probably asking yourself one big question: Is right now actually a good time to plant, or should you wait for a better season? The short answer is pretty straightforward, but as with anything in gardening, Mother Nature still likes to have the final say.
You Can Plant Ivy Year-Round
Winter-hardy ivy is an evergreen, meaning it stays green all year long. While its main growing season runs from spring through fall, that doesn’t strictly limit when you can put it in the ground. Theoretically, you can move it into your garden beds whenever you like—whether you’re using it as groundcover, a privacy hedge, or a climbing vine. Even if it doesn’t grow much during the winter, planting it then puts it in the “starting blocks,” ready to take off the moment spring arrives.
If you’re planting ivy in a pot to keep as a houseplant, the rules are even simpler: any day of the year is a great day to plant.
Quick Tip:
Ivy is a bit of a homebody—it really doesn’t like being transplanted once it’s settled. Because of that, picking the perfect location is actually more important than picking the perfect time to plant.
Summer: A Test of Endurance
If you decide to plant your ivy in the heat of summer, get ready for a workout. Young ivy plants haven’t had time to establish deep roots yet, and summer heat dries out the top layer of soil incredibly fast. You’ll find yourself watering constantly to keep the little guys hydrated. It’s definitely not the best time to plant if you have a summer vacation planned!
Winter: The Frozen Ground Factor
A frosty winter brings two main challenges. First, you obviously can’t plant anything if the ground is frozen solid; you’ll have to wait for a thaw. Second, if a hard frost hits right after you’ve planted, the roots struggle to take up nutrients. Plus, you generally shouldn’t water when it’s freezing outside, which can leave the plant parched.
The Verdict: Spring and Fall are the Sweet Spots
That leaves us with two seasons that are just about perfect for getting your ivy started:
- Plant in the spring, right at the beginning of the growing phase.
- Alternatively, plant in the fall (October is usually the “Goldilocks” zone).
- If planting in fall, protect the young plants from frost with some brushwood or mulch.
- Try to pick a cloudy day for planting to reduce stress on the plant.
Pro Tip:
While you’re waiting for the ideal planting window, why not try propagating some ivy starts indoors? You can easily take cuttings from an existing plant or try your hand at growing from seed.
