Growing Peonies

Peonies are very easy to grow - with just a few tips!

1. Selecting the Perfect Spot - Sunshine, Sunshine, Sunshine & Well Drained Soil

Peonies thrive in full sun, so scout out a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. They will grow with less light, but they may not bloom as well in a shady spot. These beauties appreciate well-draining soil. If your soil tends to hold water in winter, consider amending it with organic matter or planting in raised beds.

2. Planting - Soil and Space

Dig a hole that’s about 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep. Yes, peonies like their space! Mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. Place the peony tuber (also known as a “root”) with the eyes facing upward. These eyes are the little reddish or pinkish buds. Then cover the tuber with soil, leaving the eyes only 1 to 2 inches below the surface. Don’t bury them too deep; they like to peek out!

3. Watering, Fertilizer and TLC:

First Sip: Water your newly planted peony thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

Subsequent Sips: During the growing season, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Peonies don’t like wet feet.

Mulch Magic: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Organic straw, leaves or a layer of cardboard all work well.

Fertilizer: Peonies benefit from an early spring sprinkling of organic fertilizer - as soon as you see their new pink shoots. We like to use Concentrates Inc. base fertilizer (you received a small bag with your peony purchase). Any fertilizer with a 1-1-1 ratio of nitrogen-phosphate-potash will work for you. It works best to sprinkle the fertilizer in a ring around your plant - about 1 foot away from the center crown. Peonies love a second feeding when their blooms are done too.

4. Blooming Expectations:

Peonies can take their sweet time. You may or may not see blooms the first year. That’s to be expected while the roots grow. By the next year you should have beautiful blooms.

5. Pruning and Deadheading:

During the growing season, you can snip off spent flowers to encourage more blooms next year. Your peonies will bloom between early May and mid-June. In fall, the foliage turns into fall colors and you can cut the foliage for your arrangements too.

When winter arrives, cut all the foliage off the plant, down to soil level, and remove. This will help protect your plants from disease and insects. this is a good time to add a thin layer of compost to your plant.

That’s it! Remember, peonies are like old friends—they take time to settle in, but once they do, they’ll reward you with elegance and grace. Happy planting, fellow flower lover! 🌸🌿