When In Ohio Should I Transplant Peonies?

Transplanting peonies in Ohio can be challenging due to the cold winters and short growing season. However, with proper planning and timing, you can successfully grow peonies in Ohio and enjoy their beauty year after year. The best time to transplant peonies in Ohio is late summer or early fall, when they are past their summer growth and entering winter dormancy. Fall is an excellent time to divide and transplant peonies if needed, but it might take a couple of years for them to bloom.

It takes 60 to 90 days for peony plants from seed indoors to grow and then transplant them to your garden. If you transplant peonies in the spring, the plant will direct its energy towards budding leaves and flowers, weakening its ability to secure the root system. Planting peonies in late fall for bare root plants or spring for potted peonies can take a few years for the plants to get fully established in their space.

The best time to divide and plant peonies in Ohio is between August-October, depending on your location. In Zone 6a (mid-Ohio), you can divide and/or transplant peonies in mid-September, while in warmer Southern states, it would be later in November.

Ideally, peonies should be transplanted in September, October, or November after they have bloomed. Moving established peony plants in the fall, at least six weeks before the ground freezes, allows the plant time to recover. By then, peony plants have died down and stored enough food reserves in their roots.

Where should you not plant peonies?

Peonies require a lot of sunlight to thrive, with some varieties tolerant of partial shade. Plant them in a location with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, with afternoon shade suitable for Lower South plants. Avoid planting under tall trees or soggy soil, and ensure the soil is not soggy. Grow peonies in raised beds in poor soil. In winter, they need cold weather to initiate dormancy and produce flowers in spring. Add mulch to cover younger roots, and keep containers in cool indoor spaces like garages to prevent freezing.

What is the best month to transplant peonies?

Peonies should be transplanted in late August or early September, as they should only be divided or transplanted every ten years or so. It is not necessary to divide them for decades. A sharp spade should be used to create a neat incision around the root mass, after which the plant should be replanted at the same depth as the original planting location. The University of Minnesota Extension has published a bulletin on the subject of dividing perennials, which is applicable to peonies.

Do peonies multiply on their own?

1. Dig around the peony plant using a sharp spade, ensuring not to damage the roots. Rinse the roots with a hose to remove any dirt and identify the crown buds. Leave the roots in the shade to soften them and make cutting easier.

2. Cut the roots back to about 6 inches (15 cm.) from the crown, as the crown grows into the peony. Each piece should have at least one visible crown bud.

3. Continue dividing peonies until you have as many as possible from the original roots. Plant the pieces in a suitable location, ensuring the buds are not more than 2 inches (5 cm.) under the soil. Store the pieces in peat moss until ready to plant on a warmer day, but don’t store them too long to prevent drying out and preventing growth.

By following these steps, you can propagate peony plants quickly and create many plants in no time. Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter to receive a free download of our DIY eBook “Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter”.

How many years does it take for peony to bloom?

It is possible for plants to be too young, and while the majority of peonies are typically not grown from seed, some avid gardeners have successfully attempted to do so. Plants cultivated from seeds typically require four to five years to reach maturity and produce flowers. The premature removal of foliage in July or August can result in the weakening of the plant, which may subsequently produce a reduced number of flowers. In the event that buds emerge but fail to open, other potential causes include overwatering, the presence of pests, or inadequate care.

Do peonies take 3 years to bloom?

Peony plants typically bloom three years after planting, but once they do, they can produce a lifetime of beautiful flowers. To maintain their health, peonies need a yearly top-dressing of compost and should be mulched away from the base of the plant. Botrytis, a fungal disease, is present in most soils and can be detected by blackened buds and stems, and sometimes rotting at the base. To prevent botrytis, cut off affected areas and dispose of them in the trash. Proper planting is the best strategy for preventing botrytis problems, as it goes back to proper planting.

When to move peonies in Ohio?

Transplanting herbaceous peonies in September is the optimal time for their growth and winter dormancy. However, planting the entire root ball in spring can also be done before the plants start to sprout new growth. Disturbing peonies at any other time may stress them out. To divide peonies, gently dig up the plant, keeping as many roots as possible. Pull up a lumpy crown with small reddish buds and stringy roots. Shake or wash most of the soil off the roots.

If the crown has at least six eyes, divide it to energize the peony and get more flowers in the future. Use a sharp blade to slice the crown into pieces with at least three eyes each. For optimal flower production, peonies need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, with part shade providing fewer flowers. Soil should drain well and avoid planting in rain-puddled areas.

Can I plant peony in June?

Peonies are best planted in the fall to ensure roots establish before winter. If purchased from a local garden center, they can be planted anytime in spring or summer. However, if buying bare root or moving plants, it’s best to do so in the fall. Peonies should be settled around six weeks before ground freezes, and in most parts of the U. S., they are planted in September and October. Planting later in autumn depends on the area.

How do you keep peonies blooming all summer?

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Why are my peonies not blooming after transplanting?

Peonies that are recently divided or transplanted in late summer may not bloom well the following spring, taking up to three years for them to re-establish. When planting, position peony buds 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface, as too deep planting may result in beautiful foliage but few flowers. Additionally, peonies that receive excessive amounts of nitrogen, which promotes foliar growth, may not flower well, regardless of the site, as it promotes growth at the expense of flowers.

Do peonies like sun or shade?

Peonies require 6-8 hours of sun daily, with some protection from hot afternoon sun in zones 8-9. They thrive in areas with good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. There are four main types of peonies: woodland peonies, tree peonies, herbaceous peonies, and intersectional peonies. These beautiful perennials bloom around Memorial Day, with some blooms growing up to 9 inches. Peonies are deer- and rabbit-resistant, making them suitable for gardeners who struggle with animals eating their plants. They can be found in old cemeteries or abandoned farmsteads, as they have received little care for years.

What happens if you transplant peonies in the summer?

Transplanting peonies can be done during spring or summer, but the chances of success are less likely. The soil must be optimal for roots to adjust and establish in their new location. Peonies thrive in fertile, well-draining soil ranging from 6-7 on the pH scale. To transplant peonies, trim the plant, dig up the entire shrub, and leave 8-10 inches of soil space from the stems. Cut through the root ball, leaving between 3 buds per section. Shake off excess soil and remove dead growth and thread-like roots.

Replant tubers with their growth buds no more than two inches beneath the soil surface, with buds facing upward upon planting. Backfill and firm the soil, and add 1-2 inches of organic mulch to protect the transplant from frost heaves.

Be prepared that the disrupted peony plant may not produce blooms for the first year after transplant. If the transplant was done in September, the best chance at success is possible. Treat peony plants to bone meal or other organic fertilizer, and wait for anticipated blooms. The transplant process can take several years, but the benefits of the transplant are worth the wait.