Is It Possible To Dig Peonies In The Spring?

Transplanting herbaceous peonies in September is the best time to ensure they continue to thrive and produce beautiful blooms. The process involves digging up the peony, choosing a spot in full sun with well-draining soil, and ensuring it has at least 6 hours of sunlight each day and nutrient. Peonies need at least 6 hours of sunlight each day and nutrient.

The best time to transplant is early spring, just as new growth is starting to emerge, giving the peonies enough time to settle into their new location before the hot summer months. Before transplanting, dig a 12 to 18 inch wide and 18 inch deep hole and work about 12 inches of compost into the soil. If planting deeper, the peonies will grow leaves but not flowers, weakening their ability to secure the root system.

For peonies, fall is the ideal time to dig up the plants, with the exact timing differing by region, but mid-August for Northern gardeners and early November for Southern gardeners. When transplanting, remember to dig a large enough hole and fill it with nutrient-rich soil to help the peonies reestablish their roots more. Digging up peonies requires care and precision to avoid damaging the plant’s delicate roots.

Old peonies should be transplanted from late summer, as soon as the leaves change color, until late autumn. Replanting peonies in the spring is not recommended. Moving established peony plants should be done in the fall, at least six weeks before the ground freezes.