Do Peony Need To Be Fertilized In The Fall?

Peony plants require a balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which can be achieved by applying a balanced fertilizer per plant. To ensure proper growth, apply a general-purpose fertilizer each year in spring and mulch with a layer of garden soil. Fertilizing peonies in late summer or early fall can help prepare them for the following growing season, using a higher phosphorus content to promote root development and flower production.

There are two ideal times for fertilizing peonies with a granular fertilizer: early spring when new growth is about 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) tall, and again in the fall after the plants have been cut back. Deadhead the spent flowers and remove dead foliage to promote better blooming. If you haven’t already done so, cut peony foliage back to the ground and compost or discard it.

The best time to fertilize peonies is early spring when they begin to sprout. A second round of feeding can be applied any time from autumn until early spring. The amount to apply at one time will vary with the size of the plant and whether to compost or discard foliage.

In summary, peonies require a balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which can be achieved by applying a balanced fertilizer per plant. Fertilizing peonies twice a year, first in the spring before new growth appears and then again in the fall, is essential for their health and growth. It is important not to over fertilize peonies, as too much power at this point can cause unnecessary growth and make them highly susceptible to winter damage.