Who doesn’t adore peonies? Their show-stopping blooms and impressive longevity—they can last for decades with the right care. Both gardeners and cut flower growers love peonies for their fragrance, toughness, and timeless appeal. Since you only really need to plant them once, getting it right from the start is key. Let’s dive into what it takes to set your peonies up for years of incredible blooms.

Best Time to Plant Peonies

Fall is generally the best time to plant peony roots. In the fall, the soil retains enough warmth for roots to establish while the plant stays dormant, putting all its energy into rooting before winter. By spring, the plant is primed to grow without the shock of newly disturbed soil.

Lynsey Taulbee having just planted her peony field at Muddy Acres Flower Farm. — I had just finished planting our original field of 2,500 peonies in November.

While fall is ideal, spring planting is possible too. If you’re storing peony roots over the winter, ensure they receive enough “chill hours” (typically 500–1,000 hours of temperatures below 40°F) to properly break dormancy. Whether you plant in fall or spring, establishing strong roots is the goal.

Choosing the Right Location

Location matters when planting peonies, and they thrive best under specific conditions:

Sunlight Requirements: Peonies need full sun, ideally at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. While they can tolerate some shade, more sun generally means more blooms, so choose a sunny spot for the best results.
Soil Type: Well-draining soil is a must. Peonies are susceptible to root rot if planted in heavy clay or consistently wet soil. Amend the soil with compost or organic material to ensure proper drainage and nutrient availability.
Spacing and Air Circulation: The more space you can give peonies, the better. Plant them around 4 feet apart to allow for proper airflow and to prevent fungal diseases. If you are growing peonies for production, you can plant them closer—around 2–3 feet apart—but this may require more maintenance to keep disease at bay.

A patch of peonies getting planted in full sun for optimum growth. — A peony field getting planted in full sun.

Preparing the Soil

Peonies love nutrient-rich, well-aerated soil, so it’s worth putting in the effort to prepare their planting area.

Adding Organic Matter: Enrich the soil by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure. Organic matter promotes drainage, keeps soil loose, and provides nutrients as it breaks down.
Digging the Planting Hole: Loosen the soil about 12–18 inches deep and wide, even though peonies are planted quite shallowly. Loosening the surrounding soil will give roots an easier path to spread and establish.

Planting the Peony Root

Planting depth is key when it comes to peonies, as planting too deep is a common mistake that can prevent blooming.

A peony root getting placed into it's hole at the proper depth.

Depth of Planting: Place the root in the soil with the buds (or “eyes”) pointing upward. These buds should sit just 1–2 inches below the soil surface—any deeper, and the plant may struggle to bloom.
Positioning the Roots: Keep the eyes facing upward as much as possible. Gently adjust the root position so that the eyes are as level as possible, ensuring optimal growth.
Backfilling the Hole: Carefully cover the root with soil, pressing it down lightly to secure it in place. Avoid over-compacting the soil, as this can prevent proper drainage and restrict root growth.

Watering and Mulching

After planting, water your peonies thoroughly to settle the soil around the root.

Watering Immediately After Planting: Give the newly planted roots a good soak, especially if rain isn’t expected. Peonies don’t require heavy watering, but consistent moisture during the first few weeks will support root establishment.
Mulching: Apply a light layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help with moisture retention and weed control. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the crown (the part where roots meet the stems) to prevent rot. A thin layer is enough for insulation and moisture without smothering the plant.

What to Expect in the First Growing Season

Peonies are known for being slow to establish, so don’t be surprised if blooms are minimal in the first year or two. Patience is key.

Growth Expectations: In their first growing season, peonies focus on root development. This means fewer blooms or, in some cases, no blooms at all.
Patience Pays Off: While it may take a couple of years to see abundant blooms, your patience will be rewarded. Once established, peonies are low-maintenance and will produce beautiful blooms for decades.

4-year-old peony plants loaded in buds. — 4-year-old peony plants.

Planting peonies correctly from the start is essential for a thriving, long-lasting garden. By following these steps, you’re setting up your peonies for a lifetime of gorgeous blooms with minimal maintenance. Whether you’re a home gardener or a cut flower grower, these instructions will help you establish healthy, productive peony plants.

A beautiful bouquet of pale pink peonies.

Ready to get started? Browse our selection of peony roots to find the varieties that best fit your vision. And for more guidance on everything from planting to profitable peony farming, check out our full collection of peony resources—whether you’re growing for enjoyment or for income.

Enjoy the process and get ready for the reward of incredible blooms that will return year after year.

How to Plant Peony Roots for Optimal Growth