How far apart should peonies be planted for cut flower production?

Peonies should be planted 3 feet apart on center in rows spaced 4 feet apart. This spacing provides adequate airflow, disease prevention, and makes harvesting easier.

Can I plant peonies 2 feet apart?

No, 2-foot spacing is too close for cut flower production. Crowded plants can lead to disease, reduced airflow, inefficient harvesting, and limited access for agritourism activities.

Why is generous spacing important for peonies?

Generous spacing ensures healthy airflow, reduces disease risk, makes harvesting more efficient, and provides room for visitors if your farm hosts u-pick or photoshoot experiences.

How long should my peony rows be?

Row length depends on your equipment and workflow. Many farms keep rows under 30 feet for easy maneuvering, but longer rows up to 50–100 feet are possible if you plan for extra time to move between rows.

How Much Space Between Peonies for Cut Flower Production?

If you’re planning a peony field for cut flowers, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how far apart to plant your peonies. The right spacing sets your farm up for long-term success, better blooms, and easier harvesting.

From my experience here at Tanglebloom Flower Farm, generous spacing is always worth it. Peonies are perennials that can remain productive for 50+ years, so planning ahead will save you headaches later.

Recommended Spacing for Cut Flower Production

Plants: 3 feet apart on center
Rows: 4 feet apart

Ignore advice that recommends 2-foot spacing—this is too close for cut flower production in most climates. Crowded plants can:

Restrict airflow, increasing disease risk
Make harvesting inefficient and cumbersome
Limit visitor access if you offer agritourism activities like u-pick or photoshoots

Why Adequate Spacing Matters

Airflow & Disease Prevention
Proper spacing reduces humidity around foliage and stems, helping prevent common peony diseases like botrytis blight. And if you do need to manage a disease outbreak, it’s much easier with well-spaced plants.
Harvest Efficiency
Rows that are wide enough make it easier to maneuver carts, UTVs, or other equipment without damaging blooms. Some farms prefer rows no longer than 30’ to make travel time efficient; longer rows (50–100’) add extra steps and slow harvesting. We prefer 30’ rows for production, and occasionaly go longer for display gardens and agritourism focused areas.
Visitor-Friendly Farm Layout
If you plan to host agritourism experiences, generous spacing prevents visitors from accidentally damaging plants and provides room for photoshoots or picking activities.

My Expert Recommendation

When planting perennials like peonies, always err on the side of more generous spacing. You’re investing in a crop that will bloom for decades, so give your plants room to thrive! Proper spacing now means:

Healthier, more abundant blooms
Easier management and harvesting
Future-proofing your farm for both cut flower production and agritourism

Take the Next Step

Want to learn exactly how to plan your peony farm for profit and efficiency? Watch my free Peony Mini Course and discover how to get started with growing profitable peonies in less than 20 minutes.