How Frequently Should Peony Be Fed?

Peony fertilizer should be applied in two treatments: one before the leafy shoots commence growth in early spring and another in fall. The best time to fertilize peonies is in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge, as the plants are actively growing and can readily absorb nutrients. For herbaceous peonies, around ¼ cup of granular organic peony fertilizer per year is recommended, while tree peonies can be fed up to ½ cup.

The general rule of thumb is to apply fertilizer once a year in early to late spring, but young plants may need more. For the best results, fertilize before each growing season with a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 13-13-13, using around 3 to 4 tablespoons of the mixture per plant. If you miss this window, don’t fertilize.

Newly planted peonies benefit from balanced fertilizer applications, and once established, fertilize peonies every three years or so. Mineral fertilizers should be provided with nutrients in small doses every four weeks, as they have only a very short-term effect. Peonies should not be over fertilized, and bone meal is a good fertilizer to use, but any complete garden fertilizer not too rich in nitrogen is ideal.

Annual fertilization of peonies works well when applied in two treatments. One should be applied before the leafy shoots commence growth in early spring and the other midway through the growing season.