Fall is when toplant peonies, and starting with bare-root plants is best.
Find out how and when to plant peonies from bare root successfully with this guide.
Best Time to Plant Peonies
The fall months are the best time to plant peonies.
Credit:Matthew Benson
Exactly when to plant depends on your frost timeline.
Youll want to get your peonies in the groundslightly before planting your fall bulbs.
To find your peony planting window,look for your first frost dates.
Then, count backward two to four weeks to find the ideal time for planting.
Peonies planted in spring do not produce much root growth and struggle to make it through the summer.
Its why peonies planted in spring seem to be a year behind their fall-planted cousinsif they even survive.
Dividing peonies is also best done in the fall.
They do best inUSDA Zones2-8.
Theyll need to be kept well watered.
Planting Conditions for Peonies
Loose,well-drained soilamended with compost is ideal for peonies.
Dig an area about 18x18 inches and a foot deep.
Refill it with native soil andsome compost(and even some aged manure) prior to planting.
Space new peonies about 3 feet apart.
The most common mistake is planting them too deeply, which results in mostly foliage growth and no flowers.
Plant peony roots with the buds facing up.
The top of the buds should be covered with 1 to 2 inches of soil.
The thicker part of the root will likely lay downward at an angle.
Dont worry about how deep the rest of the root is; pay attention to the buds.
When Will Newly Planted Peonies Bloom?
Peonies planted in fall often bloom the next growing season.
While you may only get one or two blooms that first year, be patient.
The plant is settling in and focusing on new root and shoot growth.
By year three, your peony should be ready to produce loads of blooms for years to come.
Peonies follow the perennial growth pattern of sleep-creep-leap.
Theyll grow a little the first year but wont seem to do much.
The second growing season growth will be noticeable, and youll think, OK, thats better.
They should be fine for about three weeks.
Before planting the root, soak it in water for 20 to 30 minutesno longerto rehydrate it.
In the garden, plant them 3 to 4 feet apart for good air circulation.
When planting in a container, plant one bulb in a 12-14 inch pot.
