The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Harvesting Peonies
Peony season is here, and we're getting ready to care for, harvest, and enjoy the most abundant crop on our farm: Peonies!
I often receive questions from gardeners about growing these stunning flowers, so today, I’m answering the top ones. Read on for essential peony growing and harvesting tips!
What Do Peonies Need to Grow?
Peonies thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7, making them an excellent choice for cold climates. They flourish in well-draining soil with full sun exposure. While they don’t require heavy fertilization, we recommend amending the planting hole with compost and a small amount of bone meal or granular fertilizer at planting time.
Here’s the most crucial planting tip—one that many gardeners get wrong:
Peonies must be planted shallowly, with their "eyes" (pink or white growing tips on the crown) no more than 1-2 inches below the soil line.
In warmer climates (Zones 6-7), plant them ½-1 inch deep.
In colder climates (Zones 3-5), plant them 1.5-2 inches deep.
Incorrect planting depth is one of the top reasons peonies fail to bloom—let’s talk about that next!
Why Aren’t My Peonies Blooming?
If your peonies aren’t flowering, here are a few possible reasons:
Planted Too Deeply – If your peony has never bloomed, it may have been planted too deep. You might need to dig it up and replant it at the correct depth.
Mulch or Soil Buildup – Over time, mulch or soil can accumulate around the crown, burying the eyes too deep. Try scraping away any excess soil or mulch.
Too Young – Peonies take 2-4 years to mature and produce abundant blooms. If yours is still young, be patient!
Lack of Sunlight – Peonies need full sun (at least six hours per day). If nearby trees or shrubs have grown and are shading them, consider trimming back the competing plants or relocating your peony.
Do Peonies Need to Be Divided?
No! Unlike many perennials, peonies do not require division to stay healthy and productive—another reason we love them.
However, if you need to move an older peony (10+ years), you might as well divide it while you’re at it. Peonies dislike being transplanted, and older plants often have large root systems that can struggle to re-establish after being moved.
If dividing, ensure each section has at least one "eye" (growth tip), though 3-5 eyes per division will give you faster blooms.
How Often Should I Fertilize My Peonies?
Peonies require minimal fertilization. However, if you harvest a lot of blooms or have sandy soil, occasional feeding can help.
For mature plants (3+ years old): Apply ¼ cup of low-nitrogen granular fertilizer in a donut shape around the plant in early spring or after flowering.
For young plants (bare roots or recent divisions): Use just 2 tablespoons of fertilizer per year until they’re three or four years old.
Are Ants on My Peonies a Problem?
Nope! Ants are attracted to the sticky sap on peony buds, but they don’t harm the plants. Once the flowers bloom, the sap disappears—and so do the ants. Just let them do their thing!
When and How Should I Harvest Peonies?
If you grow peonies in your garden, be sure to cut some for indoor enjoyment! The best stage to harvest depends on the variety, but here are general guidelines:
Harvest early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
Pick flowers when they’re in the "marshmallow stage"—still closed, but the buds feel soft and squishy like a marshmallow.
Keep flowers dry; avoid harvesting after rain or when covered in dew.
Immediately place stems in cool, clean water and keep them away from direct sunlight or ripening fruit.
Change the water on Day 3 to extend vase life, and check the water level daily - fresh peonies drink a lot! Most peonies last 5-7 days when properly cared for.
For even longer vase life, consider adding a commercial floral preservative.
Love Peonies? Take Your Passion to the Next Level
Peonies are my absolute favorite flower (there, I said it), and I love helping gardeners and farmers grow them successfully.
If you’re a flower farmer or aspiring grower, check out The Peony Course: Small Scale Production & Sales. This self-paced digital course is packed with everything I’ve learned over the past decade about growing, harvesting, and selling profitable peonies—plus live support from me!
Photos by Krystina Olsen Studio