Moving Peonies in Autumn: Discovering the Advantages of Fall Transplantation and Correct Techniques for Successful Transplants
Autumn is the ideal season to transplant peonies, offering the perfect opportunity to ensure their continued health and success. Follow this step-by-step guide to successfully transplant your peonies this fall.
## The Ideal Transplanting Time
Peonies thrive best when transplanted in the fall, typically between September and early October. This timing allows the plant to establish itself before winter and encourages strong growth in the spring [1][4].
## Transplanting Peonies: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare a suitable location: Choose a spot that receives full sun to partial shade, with well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
2. Dig the new hole: Dig a hole that is about twice as wide and as deep as the peony's root system. If your soil is not well-draining, consider adding organic matter like compost to improve drainage.
3. Carefully dig up the peony: Dig around the perimeter of the plant, being careful not to damage the roots. Lift the entire plant, rinsing off excess soil if necessary.
4. Handle the roots: Gently separate the roots if they are intertwined. If the plant is large, you may need to divide it (see below).
5. Plant the peony: Place the peony in the new hole so that the growing eyes are no more than 2 inches below the soil surface. Fill the hole, ensuring the soil is firm around the roots to prevent settling.
6. Water well: Water the newly transplanted peony thoroughly to settle the soil.
## Tips for a Healthy Peony Garden
- Water consistently: Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Peonies need about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation [2].
- Fertilize lightly: Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer in early fall to promote root growth. Avoid heavy fertilization, as this can lead to weak growth [2].
- Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Watch for diseases: Keep an eye out for botrytis blight, especially during moist conditions. Remove infected parts, sanitize tools, and treat with fungicides if necessary [2].
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to direct the plant's energy towards root development. However, leave the foliage intact until the first frost to support the plant's energy storage for next year's blooms [2].
## Dividing Peonies
If your peony is mature and needs to be divided, fall is also a good time for this. Divide the roots so that each section has at least three viable growing eyes for optimal growth. This can help maintain plant vigor and encourage more blooms [3].
By following these steps and tips, you can ensure your peonies thrive after transplanting in the fall. Gardeners looking to reduce the risks of peony disease should also replant in the fall [5]. Transplanting peonies in the fall results in more robust plants, allowing them to grow for decades with minimal care [6].
For more gardening tips and inspiration, check out Tonya Barnett, a gardener with 13 years of experience, who has transformed her backyard into a cut flower garden and shares her journey on her YouTube channel [7]. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, transplanting peonies in the fall can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
References: [1] University of Maine Cooperative Extension. (2021). Peonies. https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/6013e/ [2] The Old Farmer's Almanac. (2021). Growing Peonies. https://www.almanac.com/plant/peonies [3] Cornell University Extension. (2020). Peonies. https://extension.cornell.edu/homegardening/fact-sheets/peonies/ [4] Colorado State University Extension. (2021). Peonies. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/peonies-9-266/ [5] University of Illinois Extension. (2021). Peony Diseases. https://web.extension.illinois.edu/cfivtm/diseases/peonies.cfm [6] National Gardening Association. (2021). Peonies. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/peonies/growing-peonies.htm [7] Tonya Barnett's YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/c/TonyaBarnettGardens
Adding a touch of elegance to your home-and-garden, a thriving peony garden can be a beautiful extension of your lifestyle. Prepare a perfect spot for your peonies this fall by following steps such as selecting a sunny locale, digging a suitable hole, careful extraction, and proper planting to ensure their success and continued blooms for years to come.
