Peonies are beloved for their luxurious blooms and long lifespans, but they thrive best when their care is tailored to the changing seasons. This Peony Planting Calendar is designed to guide you through what to do — and when — to support healthy growth, vibrant flowering, and disease prevention. From winter dormancy to autumn planting, peonies follow a natural rhythm. Knowing how to support them through each phase is the key to a thriving garden.
Use this seasonal guide to stay in sync with your plants and build a strong, resilient peony garden year-round.
For more detailed techniques, check out our peony care guide.
Winter (January–February): Peony Dormancy
During the coldest months of the year, peonies enter deep dormancy. This is a natural part of their life cycle and essential for future flowering. In most regions, your outdoor peonies will be completely invisible above ground — don’t worry, they’re simply resting.
Tasks for this period are minimal:
- Do not disturb the soil unless absolutely necessary.
- If you live in an area with harsh freezes, check protective mulch or coverings to ensure crowns remain insulated.
- For potted peonies, ensure containers are not waterlogged and are sheltered from extreme freeze-thaw cycles.
Avoid fertilizing or watering dormant plants, especially those in the ground. This is a time of rest and recovery. Let nature do its work.
Early Spring (March): Preparation Begins
As temperatures begin to rise and daylight increases, it’s time to gently wake your peonies from dormancy. This month marks the start of active peony care in spring, especially in Zones 5–7.
Key tasks include:
- Remove any mulch or debris covering the crowns, taking care not to damage emerging shoots.
- Look for signs of life: pink or red buds (eyes) pushing up through the soil.
- Clean up dead stems and leftover plant material from last year to reduce fungal risk.
- Apply a light, balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) or compost around the base — but avoid touching the crown.
- Inspect for early signs of disease, especially botrytis or rot in overly wet areas.
- Gently loosen compacted soil around the plant to improve air flow and drainage.
This early attention sets the tone for a strong growing season. With thoughtful, timely action, you'll help your peonies thrive throughout spring and beyond.
For feeding advice, see our peony spring fertilizer guide.
Mid to Late Spring (April–May): Active Growth and Budding
By mid-spring, peonies enter a period of vigorous growth. Leaves unfurl, stems lengthen, and buds begin to form. This is a critical stage for peony care in spring, where your attention can make a major difference in the health and flowering performance of the plant.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Regular watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, especially during dry spells.
- Feed with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer (such as bone meal or a bloom booster) to support strong bud and flower development.
- Install supports for flower stems, especially for herbaceous peonies, which can become top-heavy and flop over.
- Mulch lightly if needed to retain moisture and suppress weeds, being careful not to bury the crown.
- Monitor for diseases like botrytis blight, especially in wet or humid conditions. Look for black spots or curled, deformed leaves.
- Watch for pests, such as aphids around buds. Rinse off or treat with organic insecticidal soap if needed.
Mid to late spring is when your peonies need the most attention. Healthy foliage and well-supported buds will lead to spectacular blooms in early summer.
Early Summer (June): Blooming and Deadheading
June is the most rewarding time for peony growers — it's peak bloom season! While enjoying the display, there are still a few key tasks to help maintain the plant’s health.
To-dos for June:
- Deadhead spent blooms promptly. This not only keeps the plant looking neat but helps redirect energy back into the root system. Focus on cutting just below the flower head without removing too many leaves.
- Reduce feeding: Once flowering is complete, stop applying fertilizer. Too much nitrogen now can encourage unnecessary foliage.
- Continue light watering if rainfall is inconsistent, especially for young or potted peonies.
- Watch for fungal infections: Humidity and crowded growth can trigger mildew or blight. Apply a preventive fungicide if needed and improve airflow.
- Avoid cutting back too early: Keep all healthy foliage in place to support root development during this time.
Learn how to deadhead properly in our guide about deadheading peonies tips.
During early summer, your peony plant is shifting energy underground. Supporting this process ensures strong growth and even better blooms next year.
Late Summer (July–August): Rest and Recovery
As temperatures climb and blooms fade, peonies enter a quieter phase. While there's no need for major work, some gentle summer care can help prepare the plant for autumn.
Here’s what to do:
- Water sparingly, only during extended dry spells. Overwatering in hot weather can invite rot.
- Trim back damaged or unnecessary foliage, especially any showing signs of pests or disease.
- Avoid fertilizing — your peony doesn’t need it now.
- If your garden is prone to flooding, consider planning raised beds or mounds for autumn planting or division.
This rest period allows the plant to recover while it continues developing roots. With minimal intervention, you’re setting the stage for a strong autumn transition.
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Early Fall (September): Division and Transplanting
September marks the ideal time for fall peony care involving division and transplanting. As peonies begin to enter dormancy, their energy shifts from top growth to root development, making this month perfect for giving older clumps a fresh start or relocating underperforming plants.
Here’s how to divide and transplant peonies effectively:
- Choose a mature plant — typically one that is 5 or more years old. These tend to respond best to division and will rebound more quickly.
- Cut back the foliage to 5–10 cm above the ground to make handling easier.
- Gently dig around the plant, lifting the root ball with a fork or spade, being careful not to damage the roots.
- Wash off soil to better see the root structure.
- Divide the crown using a sharp, sterile knife. Each division should include at least 3–5 healthy “eyes” (buds) and a substantial portion of root.
- Amend the new planting site with compost and ensure excellent drainage.
- Replant at the correct depth — with the eyes no more than 2.5–5 cm below the surface.
- Water lightly after planting and avoid fertilizing until spring.
Division rejuvenates older plants, prevents overcrowding, and gives gardeners the opportunity to expand their collection. Early fall conditions provide enough warmth for roots to establish before winter sets in.
Need help dividing peonies? Visit our how to divide peonies guide.
Mid to Late Fall (October–November): Fall Peony Care Checklist
As the growing season wraps up, fall peony care becomes essential to prepare the plant for winter dormancy and future growth. October and November are about cleanup, protection, and disease prevention.
Here’s a complete checklist for peony care in fall:
- Cut back all stems and foliage to ground level. Dispose of clippings — do not compost — as they may carry fungal spores or pests.
- Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer (low in nitrogen) to strengthen the root system and boost resilience through winter.
- Mulch around the crown, but avoid covering the crown directly. Use shredded bark, straw, or compost to insulate roots without creating rot conditions.
- Check soil drainage and consider adding sand or grit if the site tends to retain water. Wet winter soils can lead to root rot.
- Perform a preventive fungicide spray, especially if the plant showed signs of disease earlier in the season.
- Label your peonies if the above-ground parts are being removed. This helps in spring identification and avoids accidental digging.
This maintenance work is crucial for long-term health. Peonies are hardy, but proper fall care reduces disease risk and enhances next year’s blooms.
For detailed instructions, visit our peony fall checklist and browse our fungicide selection.
Month-by-Month Peony Planting Calendar Overview
To make peony care even more intuitive, here’s a simplified month-by-month guide to what your peonies need throughout the year. Bookmark this calendar and refer to it seasonally:
- January: Monitor winter mulch for potted peonies. No active work required.
- February: Still dormant; check for excess moisture or frost heave.
- March: Remove mulch and plant debris. Begin spring feeding and inspect for early disease signs.
- April: Stake stems if needed. Apply phosphorus-rich fertilizer. Watch for early bud formation.
- May: Maintain consistent watering. Begin fungal prevention. Enjoy emerging blooms.
- June: Deadhead spent blooms. Reduce fertilizer. Continue disease prevention.
- July: Light watering in heat. Remove damaged or yellowing leaves.
- August: Prepare soil for transplanting or new planting. Minimal activity required.
- September: Divide and transplant mature peonies. Replant divisions at correct depth.
- October: Cut back foliage. Apply potassium-rich fertilizer.
- November: Mulch and label plant sites. Perform last fungal treatment.
- December: Plants remain dormant. No active work unless extreme weather strikes.
This schedule ensures your peony plants thrive year-round with minimal guesswork.
Conclusion: Healthy Peonies Begin with Timely Care
Caring for peonies is a year-round commitment, but with the right seasonal guidance, it becomes a joyful and rewarding process. From peony care in spring to thoughtful fall peony care, each step plays a crucial role in nurturing lush, long-lasting blooms. Understanding when to prune, feed, divide, or simply leave your peonies alone can make the difference between a struggling plant and a thriving showstopper.
This calendar is designed to take the guesswork out of your garden routine. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, following a consistent care cycle ensures your peonies remain healthy, disease-free, and productive year after year.
Don’t forget to save or print our peony maintenance calendar and keep it as a monthly reminder in your garden journal.
Shop Seasonal Peony Collections
Support your seasonal gardening efforts with our hand-selected peony collections, tailored to every stage of the care calendar. Whether you're looking to plant new varieties, feed existing roots, or plan next year’s bloom schedule, we’ve curated everything you need:
- Bare Root Peonies for Autumn Planting – Ideal for September transplants or expansion.
- Peony Fertilizers – Formulas optimized for spring growth and fall root development.
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Early and Late Blooming Varieties – Extend your bloom season with peonies that flower across multiple months.
Each collection is designed to match the seasonal rhythm of your garden, helping you keep pace with nature’s timing. Plant smarter, feed better, and enjoy more consistent results.
FAQs on Seasonal Peony Care
When should I fertilize peonies?
The best time to fertilize peonies is in early spring just as new growth appears, using a balanced fertilizer to encourage strong stems and healthy blooms. A second feeding after flowering helps promote root development before dormancy. Avoid fertilizing in late fall to prevent new growth that could be damaged by frost. Seasonal fertilizing boosts peony vigor and flowering success.
Can I prune peonies in spring?
Light pruning in early spring is possible to remove dead or damaged shoots, but avoid heavy cutting until after flowering. Removing old stems in fall helps prevent disease and prepares plants for winter. Spring pruning supports healthy growth without risking flower buds. Seasonal pruning depends on your peony type and local climate.
Should I water peonies in winter?
Generally, peonies don’t need watering in winter when they are dormant, especially in moist or snowy climates. However, container-grown peonies or plants in dry winter regions benefit from occasional watering to prevent root drying. Proper seasonal watering avoids stress and supports healthy spring emergence.
When is it too late to transplant peonies?
Transplanting peonies is best done in fall or early spring before growth begins. Moving plants after buds form or in summer stresses roots and reduces bloom chances. Late transplanting risks poor establishment and winter damage. Seasonal timing is crucial for successful peony transplantation.
Is fall or spring better for planting peonies?
Fall is generally preferred for planting peonies, allowing roots to establish during cool months before spring growth. Spring planting is possible but may delay flowering the first year due to shorter root development time. Seasonal planting guides recommend fall for healthier, more vigorous plants.