A Beginner's Guide on How to Grow Peonies

If you’ve been following along with Fong and me here at Flower Day Farm, you know that when we decided to narrow our focus, peonies were a no-brainer for us. They aren’t just one of our favorites to grow but they are actually one of the very first flowers our parents grew when they started their own farms decades ago.

Fong and I have been growing flowers for over 20 years now. We literally grew up on our parents' farms. Over all those years, we’ve learned a thing or two about what makes these stunning, pillowy blooms truly thrive.

Honestly, the secret to gorgeous peonies isn't a green thumb. It all comes down to how you start them. If you want to fill your own garden with incredible blooms, here is the honest, no-nonsense guide to getting them right.

Timing is Everything: Plant in the Fall

When it comes to bare-root peonies, fall is your golden window. Here in Monroe, Washington, we get our peony roots into the ground usually in October. The cooler autumn soil lets the roots settle in and establish themselves before the winter freeze, meaning they wake up happy and strong in the spring.

The #1 Mistake: Don’t Bury Them!

If you take away only one piece of advice from this, let it be this: Do not plant your peonies too deep. When you look at a bare root, you’ll see little pink/white buds called "eyes." When you plant, those eyes should sit only 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. If you bury them any deeper, you’ll end up with a green bush that never actually grows a single flower. When in doubt, plant shallower!

Picking the Perfect Spot

Peonies are incredibly hardy - once they’re happy, they can live and bloom for 50+ years. To make sure they love their home, give them:

• Full Sun: They need at least six hours of direct sunlight a day.

• Good Drainage: Peonies absolutely hate soggy feet. They will rot if left in standing water, so make sure your soil drains well.

• Room to Breathe: Space your plants about three feet apart. Good airflow keeps them healthy and prevents disease.

A Quick Lesson in Patience

I always tell people to be patient with peonies. They take a little time to find their footing. You might get a teaser bloom or two in year two, but year three is when the real magic happens and you get that full, breathtaking show. Trust me, they are entirely worth the wait. And honestly sometimes it can take even longer. 

Want to grow your own?

Because we love sharing what we’ve learned over the last two decades with our community, I put together a complete guide to help you grow your dream garden.

Click here for 'A Beginner's Guide: How to Grow Peonies Guide! (Just pop in your email and we’ll send it straight to your inbox!)

Thank you so much for being here and supporting our farm family. Happy planting!