Alaskan Peony Planting Tips?

This article discusses the best practices for growing peonies in Alaska, covering topics such as the best varieties of peonies to grow, ideal planting time, and care tips for home gardeners. The Alaska Bush, a homestead that has grown into a thriving Peony Farm, is known for its beautiful, showy flowers.

Planting peonies requires deep, fertile, humus-rich, moist soil that drains well, with a pH of around 7. Provide shelter from strong winds and plant away from trees or shrubs as peonies don’t like to compete for food and moisture. If planting in newly dug soil, plant the peony shallow, heap the soil 6-8″ above the eyes the first fall, and remove any excess soil in the spring.

Some growers plant their peonies in single rows or double rows, depending on the climate. The Alaska Peony Cooperative supports member-farms through this process. Plants should be planted with the highest eye of the root about 2′ or 2 thumb widths below the surface. In Alaska, peony farms have increased tenfold, with 100 farms in the state according to the latest Census of Agriculture.

Peony production is possible only with ample snow cover or other winter protection such as straw mulch. In the past 40 years, peony farms in Alaska have grown by tenfold. Buyarski recommends digging holes 8 to 10 inches deep and sprinkling in fertilizer at the bottom. Plant each newly divided peony three to four feet apart.

How do you winterize peonies in Alaska?

It is recommended that peony blossoms be cut back to a strong leaf in the fall to prevent the occurrence of overwintering disease. This can be achieved by cutting the foliage to the ground. It is advisable to avoid mulching peonies excessively, although a light covering of straw or shredded bark may be applied during the first winter to prevent the plant from being smothered. In the spring, the mulch should be removed. In the event of relocation, it is advisable to undertake this process in the autumn, and to divide the roots into two parts in order to facilitate optimal growth.

Do peonies need to be planted deep?

When planting herbaceous and intersectional peonies, it is crucial not to plant them too deep in the soil, no more than 2. 5-5cm below the surface. Overplanting can result in beautiful foliage but not flowering. Peonies are easy to grow, known for their luxurious flowers in early to mid-summer, fragrances, and variety of colors. They are low-maintenance plants and rarely troubled by slugs, snails, rabbits, or deer.

There are thousands of varieties of peonies, flowering from mid-April to early July, and in a wide color range. The challenge lies in choosing the right peony for your garden, whether it be patio or intersectional peonies in containers.

Do peonies multiply?

If you’re looking to add more peonies to your garden without worrying about the cost, you can divide a large herbaceous peony’s roots to create more plants. Herbaceous peonies are long-lived perennials that can be divided to yield clones that grow into individual plants. To divide peonies in fall, allow them to grow and establish themselves in warm soil. However, this technique is not suitable for intersectional or tree peonies, which propagate differently. To use this technique, use isopropyl alcohol, paper towels, a pruning saw, or an old chef’s knife.

Do peonies need to be dug up for winter?

Tree peony plants tend to heave up through the soil and show exposed eyes in winter, but they thrive in cold weather. Leaves deteriorate and need to be removed from the branches and ground. Tree peony branches should be left bare naked for winter. If a tree peony is cut down to ground level, it may be reinvigorated in 2 or 3 years. Tree peonies prefer more soil on top of the roots than bush peonies, so adding a couple of inches of soil around the base of the trunk can help. Once the snow melts, it’s time to tackle any “forgotten” stems. Remember, tree peony plants love cold winters and prefer more soil on top of the roots than bush peonies.

When to plant peony bulbs in Alaska?

Planting bulbs for the first year is crucial, especially for Fairbanks varieties. It is recommended to plant bulbs two or three weeks before the ground freezes to allow them to establish roots without shoots emerging. The recommended planting time is late August to early September or when soil temperatures are in the mid to low 50s (Fahrenheit). Bulbs should be planted 1-3 inches deep, with tulips and daffodils 5-6 inches deep and smaller bulbs like Scillas and grape hyacinths 2-3 inches deep.

If the ground is wet, no water is needed, but if it is dry, a bit of water is needed. Well-drained soil is ideal, especially in wet fall. Organic or slow-release fertilizer is best for the bulbs, and adequate snow cover or mulch is essential for Fairbanks bulbs.

Finding bulbs can be challenging, as many companies may not ship to Alaska or may ship them too late when the ground is frozen or covered with snow. In the spring, remove the mulch, water, and fertilizer with slow-release or organic fertilizer. Cut flower stems and leaves back after they have withered to encourage naturalization and multiplying. If bulbs survive the first year and multiply, divide them and plant them immediately or store them for later planting.

Do peonies like sun or shade?

Peonies require 6-8 hours of sun daily, with some protection from hot afternoon sun in zones 8-9. They thrive in slightly moist, well-drained soil. There are four main types of peonies: woodland peonies, tree peonies, herbaceous peonies, and intersectional peonies. These beautiful perennials bloom around Memorial Day, with some blooms growing up to 9 inches. Peonies are deer- and rabbit-resistant, making them suitable for gardeners who struggle with animals munching on their plants. Growing peonies is easy, as they can bloom away in old cemeteries or abandoned farmsteads, having received little care for many years.

Can peonies survive a freeze?

Peonies are generally hardy to frost, even large plants with buds can freeze through. However, there is a stage in their development where they can be damaged easily, especially if the thermometer falls below freezing. The most susceptible stage is from a couple of inches tall until they are 8 or 10 inches tall. Before this stage, buds are just swelling or fists at ground level. After this stage, larger and leafier plants seem more impervious to the cold. It is wise to cover sprouted peonies when the temperature is projected to fall below 30 degrees or so. Freezing at the wrong stage can cause two problems:

Do peonies grow better in pots or ground?

Peonies thrive in a variety of soil types, including well-drained clay soil. To ensure optimal growth and bloom, it is essential to provide at least a half day of sun and good drainage. Some gardeners are planting peonies in large patio pots or raised beds, but it is crucial to ensure adequate drainage and watering more frequently than ground planted peonies.

To prepare the planting site, dig a hole about 15 x 15 inches and fill it with spaded soil. Place the peony root downward at any angle, with the ‘eyes’ facing upward. Plant the roots near the surface of the ground with just one inch to two inches of soil on top of the ‘eyes’. Avoid planting the peony roots too deeply, as this can result in foliage growth without flowers.

Newly planted bare root peonies will establish feeder roots when planted in the Fall, and winter freezing temperatures will not affect roots planted in the ground. Potted peonies require a large container with adequate drainage, and the eyes should be covered with only one inch to two inches of soil. Water the potted peonies thoroughly upon planting or transplanting, watering them every couple of weeks during dry weather. Once the fall/winter rains arrive, you may not need to water your peonies until you have dry weather in the spring/summer.

Once a peony plant is several years old, it is fairly drought tolerant, but they do appreciate a good watering every few weeks in hot summers. An established peony plant does not need frequent watering. Fertilize your peony plants early in the spring using a slow release fertilizer, as other fertilizers will burn the foliage. If you are fertilizing potted peonies, use a slow release fertilizer, as other fertilizers will burn the foliage.

Deadhead flower/seed pods after bloom and trim your peony stems to shape the bush as desired. If you want to let seed pods mature, leave them on the stems until they crack open in late summer. Plant the seeds in the ground or potting flats and keep moist until the fall rains come. Some seeds will germinate the following spring, while others will sprout the second spring.

Cut peony stems to ground level in the late fall and remove the stems and leaves from the garden for good sanitation. Do not compost peony leaves and stems. Mulching is not required in the Northwest, but some gardeners in very cold winter climates mulch for the winter, but be sure to remove the mulch in the spring to avoid planting too deeply.

Are peonies grown in Alaska?

Alaska’s peony growers are capable of producing 48 premium-grade buds within a 24-hour period, which are then shipped to retail and wholesale buyers in the United States and internationally. These buds often exhibit a vase life that exceeds that of the competition.

What month is best to plant peonies?

Peonies are best planted in the fall and spring, as they are frost-resistant and can be planted in any season. However, the optimal period for planting is between late September and October, as this allows the plants to establish themselves before the onset of winter.

Will peonies bloom the first year planted?

Brooks Gardens received phone calls from customers who planted peony roots last fall. One woman was surprised to see her plants blooming just months after planting them bare root, while another woman had her peony root in a large flower pot produce five flowers. A nervous customer planted over 80 peony roots with just one to two inches of soil over the eyes, careful not to plant too deep. Despite the beautiful growth, he was in a panic and cut many of them for friends to enjoy.

A friend warned him not to cut a first-year peony stem, as it might damage his maturing plants. He was filled with anxiety. The experience highlights the importance of proper root development and planting techniques for successful peony growth.