Growing Peonies for Cut Flowers: A Beginner's Guide

Growing peonies for cut flowers is a wonderful hobby that can bring beauty and joy to your life. Peonies are a popular choice for cut flowers due to their stunning blooms and long vase life.

Peonies require a period of cold winter dormancy to induce flowering, typically around 30 to 60 days. This is essential for the plant to produce those gorgeous blooms.

To grow peonies for cut flowers, choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. This will ensure your peonies receive the right conditions to thrive.

Peonies are relatively low maintenance, but they do require regular watering and fertilization.

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Before planting peonies for cut flowers, it's essential to consider their susceptibility to diseases, particularly botrytis sp., which thrives in high humidity and low airflow environments.

Peonies are highly susceptible to botrytis sp., so make sure to plant them in a location with good air circulation.

The quality of your soil is crucial for growing peonies, and a pH near neutral (6.0 to 7.0) is ideal. To determine your soil's pH and nutrient levels, collect a soil sample by taking a 'slice' or boring of the soil profile from multiple spots, mixing the borings, and sending 1 cup of the composite mix to a lab for analysis.

A professional soil test will give you the best results for improving your soil, and it's easy to procure through your local Cooperative Extension service.

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Before breaking ground, consider the potential for diseases like botrytis sp., which thrives in high humidity and low airflow environments. Peony plants are highly susceptible to this disease, so it's essential to provide good air circulation.

To ensure your soil is suitable for peonies, test its pH level and nutrient content. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, and consider getting a professional soil test to identify any nutrient deficiencies.

Collecting a soil sample is a straightforward process. Obtain a "slice" or boring of the soil profile from multiple spots, mix the borings together, and send a cup of the composite mix to a lab for analysis.

To choose a reliable soil lab, look for one that offers fast and competitively priced services. Consider using the same lab for future soil samples to ensure comparable results.

Here's a rough guide to collecting a soil sample:

Keep in mind that your local Cooperative Extension office can help interpret your soil report and advise on the necessary amendments to boost your soil fertility.

Planting bare root peonies requires some care to ensure they thrive. Dig a hole 2-3 times as wide as the tuber to give the roots enough space to spread.

To prepare the soil, amend it with compost to ensure it's well-drained. This will prevent water from pooling around the roots and causing rot.

Add a phosphate-rich fertilizer like bonemeal to promote root growth, and a handful of mycorrhizae fungi to help the roots absorb nutrients. This will give your peony the best chance to establish itself.

When planting the tuber, make sure the eyes (red growth buds) are just about 1 inch below the soil surface. This is crucial for the plant to produce flowers.

Space the roots about three feet apart to give room for the plant to reach its mature size. This will also help with air circulation and prevent disease.

Here's a quick rundown of the steps to follow:

By following these steps, you'll be giving your bare root peony the best chance to thrive and produce beautiful flowers.

When choosing the best peony varieties, consider their cut flower potential. 'Sarah Bernhardt' and other soft coloured double varieties are great for this purpose.

Some of the most stunning peony varieties include 'Boule de Neige', which boasts beautiful double white flowers with crimson flecks. These flowers are highly scented and have dark green foliage.

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'Vogue' is another excellent herbaceous perennial with huge white double flowers and a silvery reflex on the inner petals. Its dark green foliage and stunning appearance make it a standout.

'Madame Calot' is a highly scented peony with large, double pale pink and cream flowers. Its divided leaves and floriferous nature make it a great choice for any garden.

If you're looking for peonies that make great cut flowers too, consider 'Honey Gold' or 'Claire de Lune'. 'Honey Gold' has fragrant semi-double creamy white flowers with a pale yellow centre, while 'Claire de Lune' boasts stunning lemon coloured flowers with a gorgeous scent.

'Victoire de la Marne' is a striking peony with mid-sized burgundy purplish red double flowers and lighter edges. Its distinctive colour makes it a great choice for adding some drama to your garden.

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Planting peonies for cut flowers can be a delight, but it requires some care. Choose a location with excellent drainage, as peony roots can rot in poorly draining soil.

Most peony cultivars grow well in zones 3–8 and prefer a sunny spot. In warmer climates, consider a location with partial shade to shield the plants from the heat. In cooler climates, peonies will thrive in a sunny spot all day long.

Raised beds can help alleviate drainage issues, and clay soils will need to be heavily amended to encourage good drainage. If you're planting in a bed, make sure it's at least three feet wide to allow roots to spread.

To plant bare-root peonies, dig a hole 2-3 times as wide as the tuber and amend the soil with compost to ensure good drainage. Space roots about three feet apart to give room for the plant's mature size.

Here's a quick rundown of what to do when planting bare-root peonies:

As your peony plants mature, around year four, they'll really take off. Just remember to collect an annual soil sample to monitor nutrient availability, work amendments into the soil as indicated by the soil analysis, and keep an eye out for disease and pests.

Planting depth is crucial for peonies to thrive, and it's not just about digging a hole and sticking the roots in. You want to plant the root in such a way that the "eyes" (or buds located on the root at the base of each stem) are just 1–2 inches below the soil.

Ideally, the eyes should be 1–2 inches below the soil surface, with the root laid just below the soil surface. This will give them some protection but not bury them too deeply. With bare root peonies, it's a bit trickier, but do your best to get most of the eyes at the correct level, and mother nature will work her magic from there.

Planting depth is crucial for peonies to thrive, and it's not just about digging a hole and sticking the roots in. You want to plant the root in such a way that the "eyes" (or buds located on the root at the base of each stem) are just 1–2 inches below the soil.

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When planting bare-root peonies, it's essential to dig a hole 2-3 times as wide as the tuber, and amend the soil with compost to ensure it's well-drained. This will help the roots grow strong and healthy.

To ensure good air circulation, plant peonies at least 2 feet apart within a row, but consider planting them further apart as space allows. This will also help prevent foliar disease and make harvesting cut flowers easier.

Here's a quick guide to planting depth and spacing:

Drip irrigating your peony plants is a great way to prevent foliar disease.

Installing drip irrigation can save you time and effort in the long run, and it's surprisingly easy to set up with affordable and user-friendly systems available on the market.

Drip tape is a thin and cost-effective option for flat ground, but make sure to mend the holes each spring to extend its lifespan.

For growers on a slope, use irrigation line with pressure compensating emitters to ensure your plants receive even water distribution.

Dripworks is a great resource for sourcing irrigation supplies, with knowledgeable customer service and pre-made kits available for smaller growers.

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Growing peonies for cut flowers can be a rewarding experience, and with the right care, they can thrive. Peonies are generally easy to maintain once established, but there are a few key steps to take every season.

To keep your peony plants healthy, collect an annual soil sample to monitor nutrient availability over time. This will help you work amendments into the soil as needed, rather than guessing. Peonies also need regular watering, but be sure not to have their roots in standing water.

Here's a quick rundown of the labor involved in growing peonies:

Growing peonies is a low-maintenance endeavor. You can expect to spend very little physical work to keep them thriving.

Peonies are often referred to as "harvest-and-forget-about-it" plants. They're incredibly easy to care for once established.

After the initial planting, which involves getting the peonies in the ground, you won't have to do much else. The field maintenance is minimal, mostly consisting of weeding and occasional pest or disease treatment.

Peonies are pretty tough and don't need a lot of attention. They're a great choice for busy gardeners or those who want to enjoy beautiful blooms with minimal fuss.

There are only three steps of labor involved in growing and harvesting peonies: initial planting, field maintenance, and harvest. Here's a breakdown of what each step entails:

Growing peonies has its benefits, and one of them is that they're essentially a no-brainer to grow.

Having a garden with peonies can be incredibly rewarding, especially with their stunning flowers that can grow up to 4-6 feet tall.

Planting peonies is a low-maintenance task, but they do require some specific care, like digging into well-draining soil and providing them with full sun.

Peonies are a great choice for gardeners of all levels, from beginners to experienced growers.

Their beautiful flowers can bloom for up to six weeks in the summer, providing a long-lasting display of color in your garden.

Growing peonies can be a great way to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.

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To grow peonies big and healthy, they need a lot of sun - think 8+ hours per day of uninterrupted, bright sunlight. This will help them thrive and produce beautiful blooms.

Peonies prefer well-draining soil, which means you should avoid dense clay-like soil that holds too much water. Instead, add compost to loosen up the soil and provide key nutrients for growth. Compost is like magic for your soil!

When planting bare-root peonies, make sure to dig a hole 2-3 times as wide as the tuber, and amend your soil with compost to ensure good drainage. You should also add a phosphate-rich fertilizer like bonemeal and a handful of mycorrhizae fungi to promote root growth.

To plant the tubers correctly, lay them just below the soil surface, with the eyes (red growth buds) about 1 inch below the soil surface. Space the roots about three feet apart to give room for the plant to grow to its mature size.

Here's a quick rundown of the key steps for planting bare-root peonies:

After planting, top-dress the soil with a light sprinkle of high-phosphorus fertilizer and no more than 1 inch of compost in early spring, before foliage starts to emerge. This will feed the plant during its growing season and help it produce buds and blooms.

Starting a peony farm requires a significant initial investment, particularly when purchasing peony roots and landscape fabric. Wholesale peony roots are generally between $5 and $15 per plant, depending on the variety and quality.

Using landscape fabric isn't mandatory, but it's a wise investment to help keep weeds at bay. The cost of covering a large area with landscape fabric can be significant.

To put these costs into perspective, consider that the cost of a single Sarah Bernhart root with three to five eyes is cheaper than a latte from Starbucks, a single dahlia tuber, or a packet of zinnia seeds.

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Choosing the right peony cultivars for your area can be a bit overwhelming, especially with so many varieties to choose from. Research and experimentation are key.

Double form peonies tend to be reliable bloomers, making them a great choice for new growers. They also tend to perform well in the vase.

Some peonies are more temperamental than others, so planting a mix of bloom forms and cultivars can be a good strategy. This can help ensure a longer harvest season.

Growers in warm climates should consider early blooming varieties to avoid high summer temperatures. In cool climates, a mix of early, mid, and late blooming varieties can extend the harvest season.

The Passionate For Peonies Guide, compiled by a peony cooperative, highlights 24 cultivars that meet USDA standards for commercial stem production. These cultivars have been tested and proven to be reliable performers.

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When choosing which flowers to invest in, it's essential to consider their market value.

Peonies fetch a premium price, ranging from $3 to $15 per stem.

Selling 200 peonies at $4 each can bring in a significant $800 in sales.

This is a stark contrast to selling 200 zinnias at $1.25, which would only generate $250 in sales.

Even selling 200 ranunculus at $2 each would only bring in $400.

Here's a quick comparison of the sales potential of these flowers:

Growing peonies requires careful consideration of the climate in your area. If you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8, you're in luck.

Peonies thrive in zones 3-4, where the cold winters provide the necessary period of winter dormancy they need to grow.

In zones 5-7, peonies find their sweet spot, with a balance of cold for dormancy and warm summers for optimal growth and flowering.

Zone 8 is on the warmer end of their range, so it's essential to choose peony varieties that are less demanding in terms of chill hours and plant them in a location where they can stay cool and well-watered during hot summers.

If you live in zones 9+, growing peonies can be a challenge, but with proper care and selecting the right varieties, it's sometimes possible to make it work.

Here's a breakdown of the ideal zones for growing peonies:

Starting a peony farm requires a significant initial investment, particularly when purchasing peony roots, which can cost between $5 and $15 per plant, depending on the variety and quality.

The cost of peony roots can add up quickly, especially for a larger scale operation. This is why it's essential to consider the long-term benefits of investing in high-quality peony roots.

Landscape fabric is also a wise investment for peony farming, as it helps keep weeds at bay. However, covering a large area with landscape fabric can be a significant expense.

Here are some mindset shifts to help ease the stress of the initial costs:

Deciding if Peonies Are Right for Your Flower Farm, consider the unique needs of these flowers. They require three years to establish themselves before they can be harvested, so be prepared to invest time and resources upfront.

Planting 2,500 peony plants, like I did, can be a significant initial investment. However, it can also pay off in the long run if you're willing to let them establish themselves and then focus on marketing and building a reputation.

Peonies are a great crop to start with if you're new to flower farming, as they're relatively easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. Double form peonies, in particular, tend to be reliable bloomers on the plant and in the vase.

In warm climates, it's essential to select early-blooming varieties to ensure that harvest is done before the high temperatures kick in. In cool climates, a mix of early, mid, and late blooming varieties can provide a protracted harvest season.

Before investing in a large quantity of peony plants, research the specific needs of your climate and soil type. This will help you choose the right varieties and ensure a successful harvest.

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Established peonies will flower abundantly for years, with some varieties lasting up to 20 years like the ones at the farm.

To provide support for your peonies, you can use specific peony cages that are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the plant. Alternatively, you can repurpose a tomato cage by turning it upside down and cutting it down to size with wire cutters.

A heavy spring rain can flatten your plants in no time, so it's crucial to provide proper support for the stems.

Staking is a must for peonies, especially when they're loaded with big, blousy flowerheads.

Peonies can live for years, even decades, and their stems can get quite heavy. Staking helps prevent them from flopping over.

Specific peony cages can be super helpful in providing support, but make sure they're sturdy enough to hold the weight of the plant.

You can also use a tomato cage as a makeshift stake by turning it upside down and cutting it down to size with wire cutters.

A heavy spring rain can flatten your plants in no time, so it's essential to provide proper support for the stems.

Bamboo stakes and some roping can also do the trick, just wrap the roping around the outside of the bush to keep the stems from splaying outwards.

Cleaning Peony Stems is a crucial step in extending the vase life of your blooms. It's essential to remove all foliage because it will rot in water and suck energy from the main bloom.

Cut all foliage and unnecessary buds of your peonies immediately after cutting them from the plant. This is the best time to do it, as it prevents the leaves from sitting in water and reduces the energy drain on the bloom.

Removing foliage and unnecessary buds right away also helps prevent the spread of bacterial growth that can shorten the vase life of your flowers.

Expand your knowledge: What to Do after Peonies Have Finished Flowering

To grow peonies for cut flowers, you'll want to give them a little extra food to help them thrive. Fertilizing peonies is key to promoting healthy growth and blooms.

For early spring, use an all-purpose fertilizer like Dr. Earth's 4-4-4 formula to give them a boost. Later, when the foliage is growing big and healthy, switch to a fertilizer with high phosphorus, like Dr. Earth's Bud & Bloom formula (3-9-4), to encourage bud and bloom development.

To prevent pests and diseases, make sure to water your peonies evenly and only when necessary, as overwatering can attract fungus. You can also use beneficial insects to help combat pests and diseases.

Fertilizing is a crucial step in giving your peonies the best start possible to the season.

I like to hit my peonies with some all-purpose fertilizer, like 4-4-4 Dr. Earth organic fertilizer, as soon as they're emerging from the ground during late winter/early spring.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three key nutrients that all plants require to grow strong and healthy.

A fertilizer that contains 5-10-10 means it has 5 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorus, and 10 percent potassium.

Phosphorus helps the plant form a strong root system and therefore also strong buds, blooms, and fruit.

I start to feed each plant some fertilizer with high phosphorus, geared specifically towards buds and blooms, when I see the foliage of the peonies is growing nice and big and healthy.

A high middle number, like 9 in 3-9-4, indicates a high phosphorus fertilizer.

I regularly feed my peonies with this Bud & Bloom Dr. Earth fertilizer (3-9-4) until buds look established, and then hit them one time with Triple Super Phosphosphate, or TSP.

Consider reading: Fertiliser for Peonies

Pests & Fungus can be a real problem for our plants, especially peonies. Botrytis Blight and Powdery Mildew are two common fungi that can affect peonies, causing a gray mold look and potentially killing buds.

These fungi thrive in damp and cool conditions, so it's essential to understand why they're present and take measures to prevent their spread. Weaker plants are often an easier target for pests and diseases, so keeping our plants healthy and strong is key.

Watering Tips 101: Water evenly and only when necessary, avoiding over or under-watering, which can stress plants. Watering at night can invite fungus, so it's best to water in the morning to allow the plant to drink during the day.

Trim away dead or dying foliage and stems regularly to prevent rot and keep your plants looking their best. Use clean pruners and disinfect between plants to prevent the spread of disease.

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Fertilizing your plants with the right type of fertilizer can also help keep them healthy. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label and provide your plants with enough sun – 8+ hours for peonies.

Here are some tips for keeping pests and fungus at bay:

For Botrytis Blight and Powdery Mildew, physically trim out any infected plant material and dispose of it safely. Use Neem oil as a fungicide, or make your own with a simple recipe: 4 teaspoons potassium bicarbonate, 1 tablespoon horticultural oil, and 1 gallon water.

Transplanting and dividing peonies is a great way to refresh your garden and get more blooms. Fall is the best time to dig and transplant peonies, as it's a dormant season for the plant.

Carefully dig around the peony plant, clearing under the roots, and take care not to damage the fleshy tubers. To avoid damaging the roots, use a wide spade or pitchfork to lever the tuber clump out of the ground.

Transplant the peony in a new location with full sun and well-draining, rich soil. Plant the tuber just beneath the soil level and water it well.

Dividing peonies is a great way to multiply your plants and renew growth. Large, well-established peonies can be divided in the fall to make new plants.

Cut back the foliage and carefully dig up the root system to divide a peony. Shake or dust the dirt off the tuber clump to prepare it for division.

Use a sharp knife cleaned with rubbing alcohol to cut the clump into sections, each holding three to five eyes and several roots. Replant each piece in its new garden location, placing the buds 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface.

Harvesting peonies is an art that requires some finesse, but don't worry, I've got you covered.

Cut peonies in the early morning or late afternoon/early evening to avoid stressing them out and shortening their vase life.

Cutting at a 45-degree angle is best for water absorption, so make sure to use CLEAN and sharp snips.

Leave at least 2 sets of leaves on stems that remain on the plant so that it can continue to grow and store food over the summer.

Cutting in the heat of the day will only make peonies open faster and shorten their vase life, so try to avoid it.

Remove ALL foliage and minor buds right away after cutting from the plant to ensure the best results.

These minor/side buds are only sucking life away from your main bloom and will cut its vase life down significantly if left on the stem.

Cut the stems as long as possible, around 24 inches, to give yourself wiggle room for whatever height you want them to be in their final vessel.

Give the stems a second cut while under water to promote water absorption and prevent airlocks.

Peony buds are known for going from hard to soft marshmallow in a matter of hours, so keep an eye on them and pick them when they're in the soft marshmallow phase.

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A gentle pinch between your forefinger and thumb should reveal that the bud is as soft as a marshmallow, indicating it's ready to be picked.

Pick peonies when they're quite soft but not yet opened, and rinse them in cold water to remove any ants or debris.

Remove all foliage not only because it will rot in water, but also because it's sucking energy from the main bloom and will cut down its vase life.

Peonies can last 2-3 weeks if you want them to and have the proper storage, so don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques.

Keep your cut blooms in the fridge in a vase of water to slow down the opening process, or store them by bunching the stems together and slipping them into a plastic bag with paper towels.

Take care to make sure there is no moisture on the blooms or leaves though, or it can lead to mold and spoilage.

In cooler climates like the UK, the best time to plant peonies is in either Spring or Autumn.

Spring planting is a great option if you want to see blooms the same year.

Peonies can thrive in these seasons, and with proper care, they'll reward you with gorgeous cut flowers.

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