How to grow Peonies in the UK
Huge, blowsy, scented flowers in early summer. A peony can live for 50 years!
- DifficultyEasy peasy
- WhereBeds
- Sunfull sun or part shade
- Grows to90cm
- Spacing90cm
- Time to first pickabout 30 weeks
- Typeperennial
When to sow, plant and harvest peonies
| Plant | mid September to mid November or early March to mid April |
|---|---|
| In flower | mid May to late June |
Dates are for central England. Sow about two weeks later in the north and Scotland, and up to two weeks earlier in the south and south west. Get the dates for your postcode.
Planting it
- Water your new plants in their pots first
- Dig a hole a bit bigger than the pot
- Tip the plant out gently, holding the leaves, not the stem
- Pop it in the hole, firm the soil around it, and water well
- Space the plants about 90cm apart each way
Top tips for growing peonies
- Plant it shallow - the pink buds no more than 5cm deep, or it won't flower.
- Don't move it - it hates being disturbed.
Soil and feeding
Poor soil - really!. Nasturtiums flower best in poor soil. Feed them and you get all leaves and no flowers.
Harvesting and eating peonies
Cut when the buds feel like marshmallows.
Saving your own peonies seed
Autumn or early spring.
- Dig up a big clump
- Pull or cut it into two or three pieces, each with roots and shoots
- Replant them - more plants for free, and the old one grows better too
Where to buy peonies plants
Thompson & Morgan · Suttons · Amazon
These are affiliate links: we may earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Read more.
Peonies questions
When do I plant out peonies?
Plant peonies out from mid September to mid November or early March to mid April.
When can I enjoy peonies?
Peonies is ready from mid May to late June. Cut when the buds feel like marshmallows.
How long do peonies take to grow?
Roughly 30 weeks from sowing or planting until the first harvest.
Are peonies easy to grow?
Peonies are rated 'easy peasy' for beginners, and can be grown in the ground or a raised bed.
Plan your own garden: it tells you what to do and when, for your postcode.
Start growing - it's free