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Homestead Farms Peonies
Planting & Maintenance Tips
Bare root peonies are best planted
in the fall months of September through November. Peonies do best
planted in well drained soil in full sun not too close to large shrubs
or trees that could rob them of water and nutrients. Protection from
late afternoon sun and harsh winds will help prolong the bloom time.
Peonies should be spaced 3 to 4 feet apart.
Before planting soak the peony
roots in water for several hours. Work
up the ground to a depth and width of 12” to 18” mixing in plenty of
compost. Plant the root so that the top most eyes are one to two inches below the
ground level. Southern gardeners should plant the eyes at ground level. Tamp
gently and water well. Newly planted peonies should be mulched.
Established plants need no winter protection.
Any all-purpose garden fertilizer
not to high in nitrogen may be applied in the spring time after the
shoots have emerged, although if your ground was properly prepared at
planting time there should be little need for fertilization. An
occasional topping of compost in the fall should be sufficient. When the
foliage turns brown in the fall, cut back to near ground level and burn
or discard the old foliage.
Though peonies are slow to
establish (3 to 4 years to reach their full potential), you can be
assured that they are developing a deep root system which will help
produce flowers that are well worth the wait. Once established, peonies
can live for 50 years or more!
Homestead Farms
A Perennial Nursery
Phone 1-888-314-3148 • www.homesteadfarms.com
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