- Privets usually sell as potted plants and are available from early spring to fall. Transplant them in spring as soon as the soil is soft enough to work. The mild, cool temperatures allow the plant to develop strong roots before the summer. Fall is the second-best option but plant them several weeks before the first frost in cold areas, so that the roots have time to establish.
- Gardeners in Southern regions are better off transplanting privet in the fall, according to Clemson University. Privets planted at this time have the entire winter to develop healthy roots before the heat of the following summer. Those planted in spring often wilts because summer heat arrives before roots adequately develop.
- Any time a plant is moved from one location to another, it's considered transplanting, even with nursery plants. Moving a privet from one yard location to another is trickier. Dig a trench around the privet at least 20 inches from its base getting as much of the root system as possible when digging up the plant. Replant it immediately in its new location and water it frequently for the first few weeks. Young, small privets transplant more successfully than older, larger ones.
- When transplanting privet, pay attention to the plant's variety and expected mature size. Some privets, such as Japanese privets, grow best in mild climates and may reach 10 feet high by 6 feet wide. The vicary golden privet has greenish-yellow leaves and usually grows 6 feet high, although it may grow as tall as 12 feet. California privet is a common choice for hedges. Plant privets for hedges 12 inches apart.
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