How Often Should Peonies Be Fertilized?

Peonies don’t need frequent fertilizer application, but starting with rich, composted soil and fertilizing in spring and fall for the first few years is recommended. After planting, peonies should only need fertilization every three years or so, and a balanced fertilizer with an equal or nearly equal ratio of N-P-K is often recommended. The best time to fertilize peonies is in the springtime and in the fall, as soon as new shoots and flower buds appear in early spring.

The general rule of thumb is to apply fertilizer once a year in early to late spring. Young plants may need more fertilization. To ensure your peonies bloom spectacularly, follow these expert tips on fertilizing peonies. Fertilizing too early or late in the year may lead to unimpressive growth and lackluster outcomes.

Peonies should be fed twice a year, once after they emerge in the spring but before the flower buds start to show, and again midway through the growing season to build strong roots before winter comes. There are two ideal times for fertilizing peonies with a granular fertilizer: in the early spring when the new growth of the emerging peony emerges, and again in fall to build strong roots before winter comes.

Newly planted peonies benefit from balanced fertilizer applications, and they should be fertilized every three years or so. The best time to fertilize peonies is early spring when they begin to sprout, followed by a second round of feeding after blooming to replenish.

Ponies have two primary periods when they benefit most from fertilization: early spring when the soil warms and the peonies begin to push new shoots, and annual fertilization works well when applied in two treatments. Apply fertilizer around the drip line of the plant, not unless it’s needed.