When I first started gardening, I thought peonies were strictly a springtime thing. You know, plant them in the spring, enjoy their magnificent blooms, and repeat the next year.
Then I went to my friend’s house and saw that she had prepared to plant them in the fall. I immediately asked her about it and she says that fall is, in fact, a prime time for peony planting.
Of course, I gave it a try and she was right!
Planting peonies in the fall gives them a strong start, and by spring they bloom even better.
Now I’m all about fall peony planting and here’s why you should be too!
Their Roots Need To Prep For Winter
Fall is hands down the best time to get your peony roots in the ground!
Wondering why?
Well, it’s because this is when they start growing those new “hair” roots, getting nice and settled before the cold winter arrives.
You can also plant bare-root peonies in spring, but fall gives them a better head start, so it’s better to wait until then!
This might be helpful: Must Read Before You Plant Peonies
Useful Tips For Planting And Growing Peonies
If you’re thinking about planting peonies this fall and want to know how to do it properly, you’re in the right place. I’ve got you covered with a simple guide to help you grow these beauties like a true professional.
First, choose the right time. Fall is the best season to plant bare-root peonies (from October to mid-November is ideal). You can also transplant potted peonies in spring, but most gardeners think fall planting is better.
Then, make sure you find the perfect spot for your peonies. Remember, they love well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Aim for full sun, though they’ll manage with half a day of sun too. A little shade can actually prolong their blooming season. They aren’t picky about soil type, but if you want to amend it, go for it!
Once you’ve found the spot, start planting. Dig a hole about 15×15 inches, toss in some of that spaded soil, and place the peony root with the “eyes” (buds) pointing upwards. Keep those roots close to the surface (only cover them with 1-2 inches of soil). Plant too deep and you might end up with more leaves than flowers.
Don’t forget to water them. When first planted, give your peonies a good drink and water them during dry spells in their first year. After that, they’re pretty drought-tolerant but will still appreciate a deep soak every few weeks during hot summer months. Just let the soil dry a bit between watering.
Fertilize and deadhead your peonies. Fertilize in early spring with a 10-20-20 mix and again after blooming. Deadheading spent flowers and trimming off dead leaves will lead to more blooms. And yes, you should cut peonies back in the fall – trim those stems down to ground level for a cleaner look and healthier plants next season!
Take good care of them in the fall. Mulch isn’t necessary unless you live in a super cold climate, but some gardeners use it for winter protection. If your peonies lose their spark over the years, it might be time to dig and divide them. Check for buried roots, too much shade, or tree roots hogging all the space. Replant them somewhere sunny with good drainage, and they’ll bounce back super quickly!
With fall just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to prep your garden for new peonies. Just follow this easy planting guide, and you’ll be all set for a garden full of gorgeous peonies!
Related: Here’s How To Force Peonies To Open And Bloom Quickly