Peony Growing Guide

Peonies are the jewels of the garden—elegant, long-lived perennials that bloom each spring with abundant, fragrant flowers. They require patience at the start, but once established, they’ll grace your garden for decades.

When to Plant

  • Best time: Fall or early spring.

  • Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.

  • Peonies love a cold winter—they need a chilling period to set buds.

Planting

  1. Dig a wide, shallow hole.

  2. Place the peony root with eyes facing up, just 1–2 inches below the soil surface. Planting too deep can reduce blooms.

  3. Backfill gently, water thoroughly, and mulch lightly.

  4. Space plants 2–3 feet apart to allow for mature growth.

Care & Maintenance

  • Water deeply after planting and keep soil moist during the growing season.

  • Avoid overwatering—peonies dislike soggy soil.

  • In colder regions, add a thin layer of mulch for winter protection.

  • Peonies typically take 2–3 years to reach full blooming potential, but they’ll reward your patience with years of abundant flowers.

Fertilizing & Support

  • Feed lightly in early spring with compost or balanced fertilizer.

  • Stake or use peony rings to support heavy blooms.

  • Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to lush foliage and few flowers.

Harvesting

  • Harvest when buds are soft and showing color for 5–7 day vase life.

  • Strip lower leaves and place immediately in water.

  • Blooms cut fully open are gorgeous but more delicate.

Long-Term Care

  • Peonies don’t like to be disturbed. Once established, they can remain in place for decades.

  • Deadhead spent blooms but leave foliage to die back naturally, feeding the plant for next year’s blooms.

  • Divide only when absolutely necessary.

✨ Peonies teach us patience—the kind that leads to timeless beauty and unforgettable spring gardens.