Peony Paradise: Peony Farming in Your Backyard

With their large, lush blooms in a variety of vibrant colors, peonies are some of the most beloved flowers for backyard gardens. Growing peonies can transform your outdoor space into a blossoming peony paradise. This comprehensive guide will provide tips and techniques for every step of the journey – from choosing peony varieties and preparing the soil to planting, care, harvesting, and troubleshooting. Follow this peony farming advice for a thriving garden that will flourish for years to come.

Choosing Peonies for Your Garden

When selecting peonies, consider the climate and sunlight conditions in your area. Some varieties thrive in full sun while others prefer partial shade. Also note the flower type and bloom time. Opt for early, mid, or late-season bloomers based on your desired timeline. Don’t forget to choose peonies with colors and fragrances that appeal to you. Assessing these factors will help you pick the right peonies for your backyard.

Sunlight Needs

• Full sun: Most peonies require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Varieties like ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ and ‘Karl Rosenfield’ thrive in full sun.
• Partial shade: Some varieties like ‘Duchess de Nemours’ and ‘Festiva Maxima’ can tolerate partial shade of 4-6 hours of sunlight.

Flower Types

• Single: Single peonies have one row of petals surrounding the center. They have a lighter, more delicate look.
• Semi-double: These have 2-3 rows of petals with a center that is visible.
• Double: Double peonies have densely packed, multi-layered petals that obscure the center. They make gorgeous, full flowers.
• Bomb: Bomb peonies feature plentiful, tightly packed petals bursting from the center.

Bloom Time

• Early season: Early bloomers emerge in late spring, sometimes as soon as April-May.
• Mid-season: Most peonies bloom in early to mid-June at the peak of spring.
• Late season: Some varieties bloom in late June to early July, extending the peony season.

Color Options

Peonies come in a rainbow of colors:

• White
• Pink
• Red
• Coral
• Lavender
• Yellow
• Maroon

Fragrance

• Most peonies have a lovely, gentle fragrance.
• Heavily double flower types like the ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ peony have a stronger sweet aroma.
• Take scent into account if you want peonies for cutting and indoor display.

Preparing the Soil

Quality soil is key to growing vibrant peonies. Test the soil pH and improve drainage by mixing in compost. The ideal pH for peonies is slightly acidic to neutral at 6.5-7. Remove weeds and debris. Loosen the top 12 inches of soil and level the planting bed. With proper soil preparation, your peonies will have the nutrients and conditions to flourish.

Soil Testing

Use a soil testing kit or send a sample to your local agricultural extension office. This will determine:

• Soil pH – Adjust to 6.5-7 if needed
• Nutrient levels – Fertilize accordingly
• Texture – Improve drainage in heavy clay

Improving Soil Quality

• Loosen compacted soil and improve drainage by mixing in 2-3 inches of compostor other organic material.
• Adjust pH by mixing in elemental sulfur to lower or lime to raise as needed.
• Mix in bone meal or rock phosphate fertilizer to provide phosphorus for blooming.
• Consider creating raised garden beds for improved drainage.

Weed Removal

Eliminate weeds which compete for water and nutrients. Methods include:

• Manually uprooting weeds
• Applying herbicide
• Solarization with black plastic sheets

Leveling and Smoothing

• Use a rake or garden hoe to level and smooth the soil surface.
• This creates an even planting area for uniform growth.
• It also improves aesthetics with neatly raked garden beds.

With advanced preparation, you can create optimal soil conditions to give your peonies the best start. This extra effort will pay off for years to come.

Planting Peonies

Once your soil is prepped, it’s time to plant your peonies. For successful peony farming, follow these steps for proper planting:

Dig Adequate Holes

• Holes should be twice the width and depth of the root system or tubers.
• This gives peony roots ample room to spread and grow.

Position The Roots Properly

• Place peony roots or tubers in the planting hole.
• Ensure the peony eyes or growth buds are facing upward.
• This allows stems and foliage to emerge properly.

Backfill Soil

• Backfill the hole with the prepared garden soil.
• Take care to cover peony buds just 1-2 inches below the soil surface – no deeper.

Water Thoroughly

• Water deeply after planting to help settle the roots and soil.
• This removes air pockets and establishes contact between roots and soil.

Proper planting technique allows your peony tubers to anchor and establish themselves to support vigorous growth and flowering.

Caring for Your Peonies

While peonies are relatively easy perennials, peony farming requires some care and maintenance to thrive. Follow these guidelines for healthy, flourishing peony plants.

Watering

• Water deeply once a week during growing season as peonies have deep roots.
• Increase frequency during high heat. Decrease if soils remain soggy.
• Avoid watering foliage, just water at soil level to reduce disease risk.
• Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for efficient watering.

Fertilizing

• Apply balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 in early spring when shoots emerge.
• Fertilize again in fall for winter dormancy.
• Always follow package instructions for correct dosage.
• Bone meal or bulb fertilizer also provide nutrients if needed.

Staking

• Sturdy supports or cages prevent heavy blooms from flopping over.
• Insert stakes at time of planting before roots become established.
• Use short stakes around dwarfed varieties, taller stakes for standard plants.

Deadheading

• Removing faded flowers promotes reblooming.
• Cut or pinch stems just above a healthy leaf bud using pruners.
• Always disinfect tools between plants to prevent disease spread.

Mulching

• Mulch peonies in spring with 2-3 inches of organic matter like shredded bark or compost.
• Mulching conserves moisture, suppresses weeds and regulates soil temperature.
• Replenish mulch layer as needed through the seasons.

Dividing Overgrown Plants

• Divide congested tubers every 3-5 years for rejuvenation.
• Do this in fall by digging up, separating and replanting sections.
• Each division should have 3-5 eyes.

With consistent care and attention, your peonies will thrive season after season.

Preventing Problems

Aside from regular care, preventing issues is key to growing healthy peonies.

Pests

• Inspect plants routinely for pests like aphids, beetles or thrips.
• Remove bugs by hand or use organic insecticidal soap sprays.
• Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs to naturally control pests.

Diseases

• Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
• Disinfect tools between plants when pruning or deadheading.
• Remove all diseased foliage and debris from the garden.
• Use approved fungicides if disease becomes severe.

Animals

• Use fencing to deter rabbit or deer damage.
• Apply organic repellent sprays for added protection.

Early intervention is vital for stopping problems before they escalate and seriously damage plants.

Winter Care

Peonies require some winter protection in cold climates:

• In late fall, cut back stalks to 3-4 inches. Leave foliage in place until spring.
• Insulate roots by mounding soil, leaves or compost over the base of plants.
• After the ground freezes, add an extra layer of loose mulch over mounded soil for more protection.
• If extreme cold is forecasted, wrap plants with burlap or fabric.
• Remove winter mulch and coverings in spring after the last frost date.

Harvesting Peonies

One of the greatest rewards of growing peonies is being able to create stunning floral arrangements from flowers you cultivated yourself. Follow these tips for harvesting peonies at their peak for indoor display and enjoyment:

When to Harvest

• Monitor peony buds as they mature and swell.
• Harvest when petals begin unfurling and show color, but before fully open.
• Early morning is ideal, when blossoms are turgid. Avoid heat of day.

Cutting Stems

• Use clean, sharp pruners or garden scissors for neat cuts.
• Cut stems at an angle to maximise water uptake.
• Leave at least 2 leaf nodes on each stem.
• Immediately place in water to discourage air embolisms.

Conditioning the Stems

• Remove any foliage that would sit below the waterline.
• Use a flower food solution or lemon-lime soda in the water to nourish blooms.
• Let stand 1-2 hours before arranging to maximize hydration.

Displaying the Flowers

• Choose a cool, shaded spot indoors away from heat vents or drafts.
• Cut stems further up the stem to refresh blooms as needed.
• Change the vase water every 2-3 days to prolong vase life.

Enjoy the fleeting beauty of peony blooms at their peak by harvesting with care. Share the bounty with friends and family!

Avoiding Common Mistakes

When cultivating peonies, there are some common missteps that can hinder success. Being aware of these potential pitfalls can help you avoid them:

Planting Too Deeply

Peonies have a tendency to fail blooming if tubers are planted more than 2 inches deep. Any deeper prevents growth buds from reaching sunlight. Keep planting depth shallow.

Overwatering

Although peonies love moisture, soggy soil can lead to root rot. Allow soils to partially dry between waterings and always ensure good drainage.

Insufficient Support

Neglecting to properly stake peonies results in flopping stems and damaged blooms. Install supports at planting time before roots anchor.

Excessive Pruning

Radically cutting back peony foliage in fall diminishes stored energy needed for next year’s buds. Only prune as needed.

Poor Placement

Peonies need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sun daily. Insufficient light leads to reduced flowering and weak growth.

Tips for Success with Peonies

Follow these tips and watch your peony garden thrive:

• Prepare soil properly by amending with compost and correcting pH before planting.
• Water deeply and consistently – about 1-2 inches per week during growing season.
• Stake plants securely to withstand heavy blooms and prevent toppling.
• Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of daily sunlight.
• Apply mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Prune sparingly – only remove spent blooms and any damaged growth.
• Lift and divide congested tubers every 4-5 years for plant rejuvenation.
• Disbud for larger blooms by pinching off secondary buds as stems lengthen.
• Deadhead faithfully to encourage prolonged flowering.

With the proper care techniques, your peonies will flourish, providing outstanding beauty, fragrance, and cut flowers for decades to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peonies

How long does it take for peonies to bloom?

Peonies typically take 2 to 3 years to bloom after initial planting. Some early blooming varieties may flower in 1-2 years under ideal conditions. Established plants can live and bloom for up to 100 years!

What are some good peony companion plants?

Some great options include:

• Roses
• Poppies
• Iris
• Coral bells
• Lavender
• Salvia
• Catmint

These all complement peonies in form, color, and growth habits.

Should you cut back peonies in the fall?

Peonies should only be lightly cut back in fall – trim stems to 3-4 inches above ground once foliage dies back after frost. Excessive cutting damages next year’s buds. Leave root mass intact.

Are peonies deer resistant?

Yes, peonies are seldom bothered by deer, making them an excellent choice for gardens prone to deer damage. Their strong fragrance and toxicity generally deter feeding by deer.

How close together should peonies be planted?

Space standard peony plants 2-3 feet apart. Plant dwarf varieties 1-2 feet apart. They need good air circulation to prevent disease.

Do peonies need full sun?

Peonies require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, ideally full sun. Insufficient light leads to reduced flowering and weak growth. Morning sun is especially important.

Are ants on peony buds harmful?

Ants are attracted to the sugary secretions on peony buds and cause no real harm. Simply shake them off before bringing cut blooms indoors. Prevent access by applying sticky barriers if desired.

Growing Peonies from Seed

Growing peonies from seed is an exciting way to propagate new plants. Here’s a quick guide:

• Harvest ripe seeds in late summer when seed pods swell and begin to split. Store seeds in a cool, dry place.
• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Sow seeds just below the soil surface in starter trays.
• Transplant seedlings outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Choose a site with full sun and fertile, well-draining soil.
• Expect 3-5 years for plants grown from seed to reach maturity and produce flowers. Have patience!
• Pinch off flowers the first 2 years so plants can focus energy on root development rather than blooming.
• Take care to maintain optimal growing conditions. Seedlings are slower to establish than mature tubers.
• Collect seeds from your own plants to propagate special varieties you love!

Growing peonies from seeds takes time and diligence but it’s a great way to expand your garden collection.

Dividing Mature Peony Plants

Dividing overgrown peony clumps revitalizes plants by:

• Reducing congestion
• Promoting airflow and health
• Stimulating new growth

Follow these tips for successfully dividing peonies:

• Time it right – Divide in early fall when plants are dormant but soil is still warm
• Prepare the soil – Loosen soil in the new location to welcome divisions
• Dig up the clump – Use a spade or fork to lift the entire mass of roots
• Rinse off soil – Gently wash off excess soil to clearly see the tuber structure
• Cut apart sections – Using a sharp knife, cut the clump into divisions with 3-5 eyes
• Replant divisions – Place in prepared holes, cover with soil, water well
• Provide winter mulch – Insulate newly planted divisions with leaves or straw
• Remove foliage – Don’t cut back foliage until it dies down naturally
• Fertilize in spring – Feed with compost or fertilizer to energize growth

With proper technique, dividing peonies will rejuvenate your plants for years of beauty.

Peony Farming Takeaway

Growing vibrant peonies can provide years of enjoyment with proper variety selection, planting, care and harvesting. Prepare fertile garden beds in full sun, being careful not to plant tubers too deeply. Water thoroughly when establishing new plants and apply mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Fertilize lightly in spring and fall. Stake peony stems to prevent toppling, and prune judiciously after blooming concludes. Harvest flowers for arrangements when buds show color but before fully open. Divide mature plants every 3-5 years to rejuvenate growth. Follow the tips and techniques outlined here and you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent peony paradise blooming in your very own backyard.