Spring is the perfect time to plant peony bulbs if you want to enjoy their beautiful blooms in your garden. With proper planning and care spring-planted peonies can thrive and put on a spectacular floral display. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through when and how to plant peony bulbs in spring for success.
Why Spring is an Ideal Time to Plant Peonies
While fall remains the traditional planting season spring offers some key advantages for getting peony bulbs off to a good start
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Warmer soil temperatures in spring encourage fast root development and establishment. Cool weather is easier on tender new roots.
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Planting in spring allows the roots to become well established before hot summer weather arrives.
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Gardeners are eager to get planting in spring! It extends the enjoyment of the growing season.
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Spring planting lets you fill any gaps in the garden bed and add new plants.
As long as proper planting methods are followed, spring can be an excellent time to introduce peonies to your garden.
When to Plant Peony Bulbs in Spring
Timing is important for success with spring peony planting. Follow these guidelines:
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In zones 3-7, plant as soon as the ground can be worked in early spring.
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In warmer zones 7-9, target late winter to early spring for planting.
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Ideally, plant peony bulbs 6-8 weeks before your last average spring frost date. This gives them a head start on growth before summer heat kicks in.
The soil must be workable, thawed, and drained well before attempting to plant. Avoid planting too early while ground is still frozen solid.
Preparing for Planting Peonies in Spring
Proper planning and preparation creates the best conditions for planting peonies in spring:
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Select a site with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is especially beneficial.
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Prepare soil by loosening and mixing in organic material like compost. Peonies prefer nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
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Choose a planting area that is weed-free with good drainage. Raised beds work very well.
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Test and amend soil pH if needed to reach neutral 6.5-7.0 range.
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Pick out healthy bulbs – look for plump roots with emerging pink growth buds.
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Allow proper spacing between bulbs to prevent overcrowding.
Taking time to prep the planting site gives peony roots the best start when planted in spring.
Step-By-Step Guide to Planting Peony Bulbs in Spring
Follow this simple process for planting peonies properly in the spring:
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Dig wide, shallow holes – make them twice as wide as the roots but only 1-2 inches deep.
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Soak bare roots in lukewarm water 1-4 hours before planting to hydrate.
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Place roots in holes with pink buds facing upward, 1-2 inches below soil surface.
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Backfill soil around roots and firm gently but don’t pack tightly.
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Water thoroughly after planting and mulch for moisture retention.
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Stake taller varieties as needed for support against flopping over.
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Label bulbs so you know what’s planted where. Enjoy watching them grow!
Proper planting depth and care is key for peonies to thrive. Patience will be rewarded with gorgeous blooms.
Caring for Peonies After Spring Planting
Attentive care after planting helps ensure success:
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Water 1-2 times per week – peonies have large root systems and need ample moisture.
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Apply light fertilizer in early spring to support growth. Too much causes more leaves than flowers.
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Weed diligently – eliminate competition for nutrients and moisture.
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Inspect for pests like ants that feed on buds and Japanese beetles that skeletonize leaves. Apply control measures as needed.
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Stake tall varieties if needed for support against wind damage.
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Deadhead spent blooms to promote more flower production.
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Leave foliage intact until it dies down naturally in fall to nourish roots.
Proper follow-up care keeps spring-planted peony roots happy and results in magnificent blooms within a couple seasons.
Tips for Maximizing Peony Blooms After Planting
Here are some helpful tips for getting the most out of your peonies once planted:
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Fertilize very lightly in early spring with a balanced or low nitrogen formula.
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Provide strong support for tall varieties that tend to flop over with the weight of their blooms.
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Promptly deadhead spent flowers to encourage more buds instead of seedpods.
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Divide mature plants every 3-5 years to maintain vigor and promote prolific flowering.
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Water deeply if dry spells occur – peonies have large root systems that need moisture.
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Cut flowers for bouquets in the cool morning when peony blooms are most turgid.
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Monitor for diseases like botrytis blight and treat as needed.
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Enjoy the long bloom period! Flowering spans early spring to early summer.
With proper care, peonies planted in spring will flourish and produce their signature romantic, fragrant blooms to brighten your garden.
Gorgeous Spring-Planted Peonies to Try
Any peony varieties can be planted successfully in spring, but here are some top picks:
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Coral Charm – vivid coral-peach blooms on compact plants
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Bowl of Beauty – large, rose-pink Japanese type blooms
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Sarah Bernhardt – apple blossom pink with delightful fragrance
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Karl Rosenfield – vibrant red, double blooms on a sturdy plant
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Sorbet – soft pink and cream colored blooms
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Red Charm – bright red blooms with yellow center on a dwarf plant
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Bartzella – unique yellow hybrid blooms
Choose a selection of early, mid and late spring blooming varieties to extend the floral display. You’ll find something for everyone’s taste among the many peony varieties available.
Although fall remains the traditional planting time, gardeners are discovering spring can also be a successful season for introducing peony bulbs. The keys are proper timing, site preparation, planting technique, and follow-up care. If done properly, spring planting results in healthy established roots that produce magnificent blooms within a couple seasons. Extend your enjoyment by selecting a diverse blend of peony varieties to create a spectacular floral display from early spring through early summer. With their lush romantic blooms and sweet fragrance, peonies are a worthwhile investment that will beautify your garden for years to come.
Plant at the right time.
Plant peony bulbs in the fall — September or October for most areas of the country, and even later if you live farther south. Aim to get them into the ground about 6 weeks before the ground freezes — and remember, if you put off planting until the spring, expect to wait about a year for that peony to catch up to its fall-planted friends.
Choose the best growing location for peonies.
While peonies aren’t fussy, they do have one quirk that pays to acknowledge — they don’t really like being moved after they’re established. Trust us; they’ll put up a fuss and may even pout and skip a bloom for a season. If you must, however, transplant them, aim to do it in the fall at about the same time you would plant them in your area. Peonies thrive in full sun to a little light shade (particularly important for hotter climates with stronger sun), and in well-drained soil with a bit of added nutrients. They prefer not to compete with large trees for water.
Planting bare root peonies in the spring
FAQ
What happens if you plant peony bulbs in the spring?
Peonies planted in spring may show limited growth in the first year as they establish their root systems. Blooming: It’s common for spring-planted peonies not to bloom in the first year. Patience is key, as they will likely produce flowers in the following seasons.
Should I soak peony bulbs before planting?
Your peony root should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting in the ground, making sure it’s nice and plump!
Can you plant peony bulbs in May?
The answer to when to plant peonies is that potted herbaceous and intersectional peonies can go in the ground at any time of year, but are best planted in late April or May or September.
What is the secret to growing peonies?
Peonies should be fed twice a year, once after they emerge in the spring (after the new shoots reach 2 to 3 inches tall but before the flower buds become …