When Should My Peonies Be Harvested?

Last updated: October 17, 2023

8 min read

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Peonies are a beautiful and versatile flower with large, billowy blooms in various colors. They require cold winters to set their buds the following spring and grow well in zones 2-8. The best time to harvest peonies is in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day, as the flowers are most hydrated.

Gardening experts recommend planting bare-root peony plants as soon as they arrive, in autumn or spring, and mixing well-rotted organic materials. Transplanting herbaceous peonies in September is also recommended. The ideal time to cut peony flowers is during the marshmallow stage, when the peony bud is just beginning to open and the petals are still tightly packed together. Gently squeeze the bud and feel it feel like a squishy marshmallow, which is the optimal time to pick.

Peony flowers are ready for harvest when they are in the “marshmallow” stage, which means they are soft to the touch but not yet open. Harvest peonies when it’s cooler, in the early morning or evening, as they feel like hard little marbles when they start to bud.

The blooming season for peonies is in the spring, with Minnesota’s peonies blooming from the end of May to the beginning of June. When the green sepals separate from the bloom and the flower colors up, the peony is ready to be harvested and will open.

In summary, peonies are a beautiful and versatile flower that thrives in zones 2-8 and can be harvested at different times depending on the season.

📹 How To Harvest Peonies for the Longest Vase Life & How to Dry Store Peonies For Later Use

Here’s how to harvest peonies for the longest vase life. Peonies should be harvested when the buds have swelled and feel like a …

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Should I cut down peonies after they bloom?

After flowering, Peonies can be cut back to remove old flower heads and maintain their appearance. This applies to both herbaceous and Tree Peony plants. Regular deadheading can help keep plants blooming longer and maintain their green backbone in the perennial or shrub border. However, growers have yet to create a reblooming variety for Peonies, so it’s essential to continue snipping branch tips and removing old flower heads to maintain their blooming period.

When should peonies be picked?

Peonies are a natural phenomenon that can be treated like any other flower, providing visual cues when they are ready to be harvested. They should not be squeezed, and after harvest, they should rest for about an hour to prevent them from opening. Bear Creek Farm recommends storing peonies in a cooler with adequate moisture, as wet storage looks fresher and helps the stems and blooms rest before being displayed.

The beauty of peony season is the beauty of the early summer light falling on a vase full of peonies, and the sight of them bent over in rain and beaded in droplets of water is a testament to the power of the gentle choreography and partnership between the grower and nature.

In addition to peony planting, there are various dahlia growing guides and cutting guides available for purchase. For those interested in dahlia tubers, Bear Creek Farm offers giant, micro, dark pink, dark red, and bicolor options. Overall, peony season is a reminder of the power of the grower-nature partnership and the beauty of peony season.

Do peonies only bloom once?

Peonies can bloom for over 100 years, with each individual bloom lasting 7-10 days. To extend their blooming season, plant varieties that flower at different times within a 6-week period. These types are labeled as early, early-mid, mid, and late season. Early-season Peonies, which are the first to bloom, offer a variety of colors, forms, and fragrances. They are ideal for mild winter climates or areas with early summer heat, as they bloom before intense heat allows the plants to fully flower.

Early mid-season Peonies, which arrive between the first and mid-season Peonies, offer a wide variety of vibrant colors, fascinating flower forms, and incredible fragrance. By planting these varieties, you can extend the blooming season of Peonies and enjoy their unique beauty and fragrance.

Does cutting peonies encourage growth?

Deadheading is a crucial part of plant care, involving the removal of faded or old flowers from plants. While some species may encourage more flower production, peonies only produce buds once per season. Deadheading prevents seed set, allowing plants to focus on their root system and the next year’s flower crop. It also maintains a neat appearance in garden beds. To deadhead peonies, simply snip back each stem to the nearest set of healthy leaves with sharp, clean pruners. Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter to receive a free download of our DIY eBook.

Should I harvest my peonies?

To determine if a peony bud is at the’marshmallow’ stage, gently squeeze it between your fingers. If it feels spongy and under pressure, it’s the perfect time to cut. If it’s still hard, it’s too early, and if it’s very soft or opening, it’s too late for optimal vase life. Peonies can be cut in any weather condition, but it’s best to do so during cooler parts of the day to reduce stress on the plants and prevent wilting. Use sharp, clean garden shears or scissors for a clean cut, preventing damage to plant tissues and infection.

What month do you cut down peonies?

Herbaceous peonies should be pruned between October and November, after the first frost and when the foliage turns yellow. The aim is to cut peonies back to around an inch from the ground, ensuring their health and free from disease when the blooms return. Tree peonies can be pruned in fall or spring, removing spent flowers and cutting back top growth by about a third. In spring, tree peonies can be cut back before new growth, promoting growth but potentially sacrificing some flowers. Alternatively, fading peony flowers can be left in fall for seed harvesting.

Should I cut my peonies down to the ground?

The plants should be removed from the garden and placed on a compost pile for cleaning.

What makes peonies happy?

Peonies thrive in well-draining, loamy soil with good air circulation, sunshine, and spring moisture. Divide or transplant peonies in October to allow time for root development and nutrient storage before winter. Prepare the planting site by digging a 2″ wide by 1 ½” deep hole and filling it with 1″ of good loam. Plant each root stock 2″ below soil level with the eyes pointing up. Fertilize peonies in spring and autumn with a low nitrogen product and potassium to prevent flowering inhibition.

After foliage dies, cut back stalks 1 to 2 inches above ground and mulch with sawdust, straw, or evergreen boughs. If the plant fails to bloom, check its soil depth, as crowns may be too deep, the site has become too shady, or there is poor drainage. Control botrytis by keeping foliage dry during cool spring weather and using fungicides to control outbreaks. If the crown is too deep, dig the root ball and rework the soil, planting it ½” above the soil level. Water and mulch well through summer, and the crown should settle to the soil level.