Should I Sow Bareroot Peonies?

To ensure healthy, vigorous peonies, it is essential to take good care of them in the first couple seasons after planting bare roots. Water 1-2 times per week during the first year, soaking the root zone thoroughly. Drought stress is the biggest threat to new plants, so stake tall hybrids to protect from wind damage. Apply an organic flower fertilizer when growth resumes in spring, remove faded flowers to encourage reblooming, and divide when the plants become overcrowded, about every 5-7 years.

The term “bare root” refers to a plant offered for sale with its roots exposed, rather than planted in a container with soil. To plant bare root peonies, follow these steps: Choose a suitable location in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Prepare the soil by mixing the fertilizer evenly with the back fill soil. Soak the root for 20-30 minutes in water prior to planting.

In most of the U.S., the rules for success are simple: provide full sun and well-drained soil. Peonies even relish cold winters because they need chilling for bud formation. There are six types of peony flowers, and to plant bare root peonies, choose a site with well-drained soil away from the competing roots of trees and shrubs. Give each peony an area about three feet in diameter, avoid very large peonies. Soak the bare root peony plant in water for several hours before planting to ensure it rehydrates properly.

Bare-root peonies should be planted between autumn and early spring unless the ground is frozen or waterlogged. If not able to plant straight away, pot them on into a large container ready to transplant when conditions allow. Remember to soak the root for about 30 minutes before planting.

For tuberous roots like daylilies, iris, and peonies, soak for 2-4 hours. Freshly-harvested peony roots should not need to be soaked, as they still hold the moisture they need to get established. For tree peonies, soak the roots for at least an hour to hydrate them.