The Best Time to Plant Drought Tolerant Groundcover

As the inventor and sole grower of Kurapia, the ultimate drought tolerant groundcover and lawn alternative.  We have over 50 combined years of Botany, Plant Pathology, and Horticulture experience.  As such we are often asked questions, one of which is:

When is the best time to plant drought tolerant groundcover in hot climates?

In hot climates, where temperatures soar and water conservation is key, choosing the right plants for your landscape is essential. Drought tolerant groundcovers are an excellent option because they thrive with minimal water once established, making them perfect for areas that experience extreme heat. But timing plays a critical role in ensuring your groundcover plants establish well and flourish. In this article, we’ll explore the best times to plant drought tolerant groundcover to give it the best chance of success in a hot climate. However, Kurapia New White and Kurapia Pink in their special “elepot” plugs, can be planted successfully year round, with benefits for each season. Sounds too good to be true? We’ve had successful Kurapia installations in the hottest summers and the coldest winters with great success. Read on for more information

Spring: The Balanced Time for Establishment

Spring is a popular time for many customers to plant, as temperatures start to warm up and heat starts to come. Planting at this time allows your groundcover to take advantage of cooler temperatures and the occasional spring rain. These conditions give the plants a chance to establish their roots before the intense summer heat arrives. By the time the hot months roll in, the plants will have a solid root system that helps them withstand the heat and conserve moisture. Keep in mind as warmth starts to come to your yard, so does certain weeds come into their growth spurt such as Oxalis. If your plants are already filled in this shouldn’t be an issue, but when planting, be sure to water a few weeks before planting to see if any lingering weeds are waiting to start growing before planting.

Summer: Quick establishment with good planting

Summer may seem like a bad time to install, there’s definitely some reason to think that. Many summer installations of native plants and trees can fail due to the leaves of the plants taking more water than the small roots can maintain. However, Kurapia plugs are much different. During the summer months our plants grow quickly, each stem touching the soil will rapidly produce new plants, causing a rapid takeover of your soil. Using our planting techniques in the support guide, you can see how to have a successful summer planting. First you have to be sure the soil can absorb and hold water. Be sure clear out the weeds, and rototill compacted soil. Make sure those stubborn summer weeds are gone before planting. If you have clay soil, amend with compost and sand, and use a soil penetrant to ensure water soaks deep into the soil. If you have sandy soil, incorporate more Seed Starting Mulch (Such as Kellogg’s Topper) to ensure the first few inches of soil can hold soil to enable fast spreading of the Kurapia plants as they root and produce more and more roots. Be sure you follow our watering guides!

Fall: Cooler Temps and Less Stress

Fall is another great time to plant drought tolerant groundcover at your home or business. During this period, the temperatures are cooler, which reduces the stress on the plants and encourages strong root growth. This is especially beneficial in hot climates, where the soil can remain warm enough for roots to establish, but the air temperature isn’t hot enough to cause wilting or excessive water loss. However, be sure to be able to adjust those first few waterings during this season as there may be quick rises in temperature, so be sure you’re watering correctly in the establishment period. Check our support guide for more information. In the fall, groundcover plants have the entire winter to build a strong foundation, and strong roots ensure a big burst of color in the next spring.

Winter: Getting ahead of spring has benefits

While many times it’s hard to find a good time to plant, with busy schedules and hard to find help. However, Winter can be an ideal time to get your plugs in the ground. During the winter, Kurapia New White and Pink will grow strong roots as the soil stays a bit warmer, but keep in mind there won’t be much growth on top. However, with little water outside of rain and establishment watering, winter plants can develop really strong roots, which will enable a rapid and impressive burst of growth during the spring. The key here is patience. Make sure weeds are handled, maybe use the pre-emergent Barricade to ensure new spring weeds don’t get a foothold, and water enough to get those plugs to start growing deep roots. For more suggestions check our winter planting guide here.

Considerations for All Seasons: Watering and Care

Regardless of what season you plant, proper care during the initial planting phase is crucial. Even drought tolerant plants need regular watering to get established. During the first few months, make sure to water deeply and consistently until the roots take hold. Additionally, it’s important to choose groundcover varieties suited to your specific climate, soil type, and growing conditions. Check with our support guides, and look for a few other things to consider. Some of those include adequate sun, which means even in the winter-time make sure the plants will be getting at least 3-5 hours of direct sun, as this is important to keep them happy. Also be sure to establish deep roots by training your plants to grow long roots, or during the warm season the plants will dry out quickly. Read our support guide for information on how to grow long roots.

Conclusion: Timing and Care Lead to Success

Planting drought tolerant groundcover in hot climates requires careful timing, and both early spring and late fall offer ideal conditions for success. Whether you’re preparing for the heat of summer or giving your plants a head start before it arrives, choosing the right time ensures that your groundcover has the best chance to establish a strong root system. With proper care and attention, your drought-tolerant groundcover can flourish with minimal water and provide lasting beauty to your landscape for years to come.

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