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Peonies for Pot Culture

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Upon arrival

Open all cartons/crates immediately after arrival, as the plants need fresh air. Always check plants directly after arrival and take notes of possible problems. If there are any problems, be sure to contact your sales representative immediately. Plants should be planted as soon as possible after arrival. Growers should have greenhouse space, pots and planting medium ready. (Check bottom of confirmation for approximate arrival date). If plants cannot be planted immediately they should be stored in a cool location, preferably at a temperature around 35F, for 10 days max. Also, make sure that you keep the cartons out of the sun and from too much ventilation, plants dry out very quickly.

Do not store the plants in closed boxes, as this will create condensation and might cause the roots to start rotting. If you detect this problem, make sure you take these plants out of the boxes. You cannot store these roots any longer they have to be potted immediately. If possible remove the infected parts or dip the roots in a fungicide prior to planting.

Soil

Peonies prefer a pH range of about 6.5 to 7.0. They do best in a high organic composted soil. We suggest using any bark-based, well-drained, commercial soil-less mix.

Planting and Maintenance

For the right container size, see the chart below. Peonies do not like to be disturbed, and the more soil they have, the better they will do when transferred into the ground. More soil gives better water control, and the roots will stay cooler. If you plan to keep the Peonies longer than 6 months before selling, we advise you to scale up to a larger container.

Plant the crown/eyes just below the soil level (1.5” under soil level). The number 1 reason for Peonies not flowering is planting the roots too deep!

Light Conditions

It is best to plant in a location where the plants will receive at least ½ day of sunlight. Morning sun is the best. If to much sun, the flower will age faster.

Watering

Peonies require well-drained soil but also like to be watered down to the bottom of their roots. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.

Location

Tree Peonies are hardy from Zone 2 to 7. A partial shade area is the best location. Plants should always be grown in a well-ventilated area.

Fertilization

We recommend using a low-rate fertilizer such as 18-6-8 at 100-150ppm at every other watering. Over-fertilization can inhibit flowering.

Temperature

It is best to over-winter potted Peonies in a covered structure such as a greenhouse or covered poly house. They require 500 to 700 hours at 32-37ºF to be vernalized. After that, it is best to let them acclimate naturally to outdoor temperatures.

We recommend growing peonies on cool, 45-50ºF days and cold nights of 35-40ºF. It may become necessary to run the fans in the greenhouse on sunny days to maintain this cooler temperature. When grown at higher temperatures, the plants slow their bud development, and the flowers age faster.

Growing for multiple seasons

If you decide to grow the plants for more than one season, we advise you to scale up to a larger container. Peonies do not like to be disturbed, and the more soil the better they will do when transferred into the ground.

Always cut down the plant after the plant flowered and the leaves have turned brown. This will improve growth in the second year and will also significantly decrease the risk of Peony Wilt and other infections/viruses!*

*Note: Do not cut Intersectional Peonies all the way back in the fall since the lower part of the stem often carries next year’s buds. Buds will also come from under-ground like herbaceous Garden Peonies.

Reasons why Peonies don’t flower:

  1. They are planted too shallow or too deep.
  2. They are getting too much nitrogen.
  3. They are over or undernourished. Peonies thrive with little care and limited amounts of fertilizer.
  4. The buds were killed by a late frost, disease, or excessive heat. Southern growers should plant early flowering cultivars.
  5. There was not enough light for buds to form.
  6. The soil is too wet or too dry.

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