The Catalpa tree—often called the Southern Trumpet Tree—has become a real favorite in our backyards over the last few decades. If you want yours to thrive and stay healthy, timing is everything when it comes to getting it in the ground.
Cultivating Your Trumpet Tree
There are a couple of different ways to grow a Trumpet tree, and your choice will actually change when you should start planting. Generally, you’ll want to decide between:
- Planting directly in the ground (outdoor cultivation)
- Growing your tree in pots or large containers
The Best Time to Plant a Trumpet Tree
Technically, there isn’t a “wrong” time to plant a Trumpet tree. If you’re buying a potted tree from a local nursery, you can pretty much get it in the ground year-round.
However, if you want to give your tree the best possible start, I recommend aiming for late spring (once the threat of night frost has passed) or early fall before the chilly weather really sets in. Just keep in mind that the “perfect” window depends on how you’re growing it.
Planting Outdoors in the Garden
If you’re planting your Trumpet tree directly into your landscape, keep a close eye on the weather. Frost is the big enemy here, especially for youngsters. Since a Trumpet tree’s winter hardiness only develops after a few years, young saplings are pretty vulnerable to freezing temperatures.
Your best bet is to plant in late spring or early fall. This protects the tree from extreme cold and gives the root system plenty of time to get established and “at home” in the soil.
Planting in Containers
If you’re planning to keep your Trumpet tree in a large pot or container, you have a lot more flexibility. Since the tree is mobile, you don’t have to worry as much about a surprise frost—you can just scoot the pot into a garage or a sheltered spot if the temperature drops.
When to Transplant a Trumpet Tree
Sometimes a tree needs a change of scenery. If you need to transplant your Trumpet tree, try to stick to those same spring or fall windows. A big pro-tip: avoid moving the tree while it’s actively growing or blooming. The stress of a move during the growing season can cause the flowers to drop or even stunt the tree’s growth for the season.
