Peony Planting 101: When and How to Grow Stunning Peonies in Your Garden
Few flowers rival the elegance and fragrance of a peony plant. With their lush, full blooms and classic charm, peonies are a must-have for any garden enthusiast. Whether you’re dreaming of delicate blush tones or bold crimson blossoms, planting peonies is easier than you might think - if you know the right steps and timing.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to grow stunning peonies in your garden, including expert tips from the team at Gauld Nurseries, your go-to source for premium peony varieties in Ontario.
Ready to transform your garden with a peony plant or three? Visit Gauld Nurseries today and let’s bring your garden vision to life.
1. When Is the Best Time to Plant a Peony?
The best time to plant a peony is during the fall, usually between late September and early November. Cooler temperatures allow the root system to become established without the stress of summer heat, setting up your plant for robust spring growth.
Peonies planted in fall will have time to settle in and develop roots before winter dormancy. When spring arrives, you’ll see those first red shoots emerging like tiny asparagus spears—an exciting sign that your peony plant is ready to grow.
If you missed the fall window, you can still plant container-grown peonies in early spring, but bare-root peony plants do best when planted in fall.
Pro Tip: Avoid planting too late into the fall or during a warm snap in spring, as inconsistent temperatures can confuse the plant and hinder root development.
2. How to Plant Peonies Properly
Getting your peony plant off to the right start is essential for long-term health and flowering success. Peonies are relatively low-maintenance, but they’re particular about where and how they’re planted.
Choose the Right Location
Peonies love sunshine! Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of full sun daily. Morning sun is especially helpful for drying off dew, which can reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid planting a peony plant too close to trees or large shrubs, as they can compete for nutrients and light.
Prepare the Soil
Well-draining, loamy soil is ideal. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost and sand to improve drainage. Peonies don’t like “wet feet,” so avoid areas with standing water or poor runoff.
Planting Instructions
Dig a hole about 12-18 inches deep and wide.
Mix in organic compost or aged manure to enrich the soil.
Place the peony crown so the “eyes” (small red or pink buds) are 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface.
Backfill gently, firm the soil, and water well.
Mulch lightly to retain moisture, but keep mulch away from the crown to avoid rot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Planting the crown too deep is one of the most common reasons a peony plant fails to bloom. Keep those eyes close to the surface!
3. Peony Care Through the Seasons
Peonies are hardy perennials, but a bit of seasonal care will keep your peony plant blooming at its best.
Spring
Remove winter mulch once new shoots appear.
Install support rings early to prevent flopping.
Water consistently during dry spells, especially as buds begin to swell.
Fertilize with a low-nitrogen blend to promote blooms over foliage.
Summer
Deadhead blooms once they fade to encourage the plant to store energy for next year.
Keep an eye out for botrytis blight, a common fungal disease. Space plants well to promote airflow.
Water deeply but less frequently—once a week is often enough.
Fall
After the first frost, cut back the foliage to ground level.
Dispose of dead leaves rather than composting them, as they may carry disease.
Consider dividing overcrowded peony plants every 8-10 years and replanting them using the method above.
Winter
Mulch lightly to protect against freeze-thaw cycles, especially in exposed areas.
Don’t worry if your peony plant looks completely dead—this is normal dormancy.
4. Tips for Bigger, More Fragrant Blooms
Who doesn’t want fuller, showier blooms? A thriving peony plant can produce some of the most eye-catching flowers in your entire garden, but it takes the right conditions and care to unlock that potential. Whether you’re new to growing peonies or looking to improve your results, these expert tips will help you get the most out of every growing season.
Don’t Plant Too Deep
We’ll say it again—this is the number one mistake gardeners make with peonies. The “eyes” (small red or pink buds at the crown of the root) should sit just 1 to 2 inches below the surface of the soil.
Any deeper and your peony plant may grow plenty of foliage but never produce flowers.
Check your planting depth if your peony is otherwise healthy but refusing to bloom.
Limit Fertilizer
Peonies aren’t heavy feeders, and too much of the wrong kind of fertilizer can actually harm flower production.
Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer once in early spring, just as new shoots are emerging.
High nitrogen levels encourage leafy growth at the expense of blooms, so avoid lawn fertilizers or anything with a nitrogen-heavy ratio like 30-10-10.
Be Patient
One of the toughest parts of growing a peony plant is waiting. Most peonies take 2 to 3 years to establish before they begin blooming reliably.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see flowers the first year or two after planting—this is normal! Peonies are a long-term investment, and once established, they’ll reward you with gorgeous blooms every spring for decades.
Support Heavy Blooms
Peony flowers are as large as they are beautiful, and that can make them top-heavy, especially after a rain. To keep them from drooping or breaking, install a peony ring, plant support, or stake early in the season, before the stems grow too tall.
This will help your peony plant maintain a clean, upright appearance and keep blooms visible and healthy.
Divide When Needed
Over time, a mature peony plant may become overcrowded, which can lead to fewer and smaller flowers. If you notice declining bloom performance or a congested center, it may be time to divide the plant. Do this in the fall, after the foliage has died back.
Dig up the entire root clump, separate healthy divisions with at least 3–5 eyes, and replant them in a fresh, sunny spot. This not only rejuvenates the plant but also gives you more peonies to spread throughout your garden or share with friends!
5. Why Choose Gauld Nurseries for Your Peonies
If you’re ready to add a peony plant to your garden—or expand your collection—there’s no better place to start than Gauld Nurseries.
Located in Niagara, Ontario, Gauld Nurseries has decades of experience growing and caring for premium-quality peony plants. Their knowledgeable team can help you select the ideal variety for your garden’s sun exposure, soil type, and design aesthetic.
At Gauld, you’ll find:
A curated selection of time-tested and specialty peony varieties
Locally grown plants that thrive in Canadian climates
Friendly, expert advice on planting, fertilizing, and long-term care
Seasonal availability and special promotions for garden enthusiasts
Whether you’re drawn to the romantic ruffles of a pink Sarah Bernhardt or the vivid reds of a Karl Rosenfield, Gauld Nurseries has the right peony plant to elevate your landscape.
Niagara’s Best Peonies
With the right care and a little patience, your peonies will reward you with decades of lush, fragrant blooms. And if you’re ever unsure about which variety to plant or how to help your peony plant thrive, the knowledgeable team at Gauld Nurseries is always here to guide you.
Gauld Nurseries is a family-owned and operated business that has proudly served the Niagara region and beyond since 1950.
Nestled in the heart of Niagara Falls and set within the stunning Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated site, Gauld Nurseries offers a one-of-a-kind garden centre experience.
Ready to grow the most beautiful peonies in Niagara? Visit Gauld Nurseries to browse a curated selection of premium peony plants and get expert advice tailored to your local soil, sun exposure, and garden goals.
“Amazing experience from beginning to end even the following spring! Alex helped me design a stunning landscape in the front of my property at 50 Hillcrest in St. Catharines We lost a few plants over the winter and Alex had her crew come and replace them right away. The plants were gorgeous and healthy. Alex is an excellent communicator and the crew was super friendly, fast and very hard-working! Great job!”
