Do Bare Root Peonies Need To Be Soaked?

1. Soak the roots in water for at least an hour to rehydrate them.
2. Prepare the Root for Planting by soaking the root for 20-30 minutes in water to rehydrate it, which loses some moisture during shipping.
3. Dig a generous planting hole and set the peony at the appropriate depth. Backfill the hole and soak the roots for about 30 minutes before planting.
4. Place the peony roots in the prepared hole with the eyes (buds) facing upwards and cover them with water. Peonies prefer heavier soils, but not waterlogged, in a sunny or lightly shaded position.
5. Plant the peony roots outside in autumn or spring when they’re supplied. Peonies are fully hardy and do not require frost protection. They grow in borders or 12-14″ plants.
6. Water the bare-root peony in with a gentle stream from a hose and surround it with a light mulch, such as chopped leaves, to help reduce competition.
7. Plant between autumn and early spring unless the ground is frozen or waterlogged. If not planted straight away, pot them on into a large container ready to transplant when conditions allow.
8. Remember to soak the root for about 30 minutes before planting.

Rehydrating the roots is not harmful for tuberous roots like daylilies, iris, and peonies, which should be soaked for 2-4 hours. Freshly-harvested peony roots should not need to be soaked, as they still hold the moisture needed for establishment.

1. Soak the roots in water for 20-30 minutes to rehydrate them, then dig a hole large enough to accommodate the peony. Keep the soil around the peony fairly moist and water every 3-5 days or so.