How long can you keep peony bulbs before planting?

Peonies are popular perennial flowers that can live for decades when properly cared for. Part of caring for peonies involves knowing when to plant the bulbs. Peony bulbs can be purchased in the fall, but when can you plant them? How long can you keep peony bulbs before getting them in the ground?

Quick Answers

  • Peony bulbs can be kept for 2-3 months before planting.
  • Store bulbs in a cool, dark place until ready to plant.
  • Do not allow bulbs to freeze or overheat while in storage.
  • Plant peony bulbs in the fall for blooms the following spring.

Peony bulbs do not store well for long periods of time. They have a relatively short shelf life compared to other types of bulbs. With proper storage conditions, peony bulbs can typically be kept for 2-3 months before planting. The ideal storage location is cool, dark, and dry. Extended storage can lead to decreased vigor and flowering. Plant the bulbs as soon as possible for best results.

When to Buy Peony Bulbs

Peony bulbs are usually available for purchase in the late summer and fall. This coincides with their natural dormancy period after flowering ends. Nurseries dig up bare root peony bulbs when they are fully dormant and ship them to stores.

The optimal planting time for peony bulbs is late September through October. However, garden centers often get their inventory in earlier than that. If you purchase peony bulbs too early, you will need to store them properly until it is time to get them in the ground.

You can plant peony bulbs as soon as they become available at nurseries and garden centers. But keep the short shelf life of the bulbs in mind if buying them very early.

Storing Peony Bulbs Before Planting

When you first acquire peony bulbs, carefully inspect them before storage. Look for any signs of damage, rot, or disease. Discard any bulbs that are diseased or desiccated. Healthy bulbs will appear firm and have visible buds or eyes.

Gently remove any loose soil clinging to the roots. Try to avoid damaging the root system. Place the bare root bulbs in a single layer inside a ventilated container, such as a box or crate. The container should allow for air circulation around the bulbs while protecting them from sunlight.

Next, choose a location to store the peony bulbs. The ideal environment will be cool, dark, and dry:

Cool Storage Temperature

The optimal storage temperature for peony bulbs is 35-45°F. This cold but above freezing temperature mimics winter dormancy and helps prevent premature sprouting. Store bulbs in a garage, shed, or basement that maintains temperatures in this range.

Avoid allowing the bulbs to freeze, which can kill the plant tissue. Do not store peony bulbs with fruit or vegetables that give off ethylene gas and hasten deterioration. The ethylene can also trigger early sprouting of the peony bulbs.

Dark Storage Area

Light exposure causes peony bulbs to break dormancy too soon. Keep them in complete darkness during storage. An unheated basement or garage often provides suitably dark conditions. You can also cover containers with black plastic sheeting to block out light.

Dry Storage

Prevent excess moisture from accumulating around peony bulbs in storage. While the bulbs need some humidity, overly wet conditions lead to mold and rot. Choose storage areas that maintain 50-60% relative humidity. Avoid overly damp basements or sheds.

Periodically check for condensation inside containers. Allow bulbs to air out if needed to prevent fungal or bacterial growth during storage.

How Long Can You Store Peony Bulbs?

When stored properly in a cool, dark, dry location, peony bulbs can typically be kept for 2-3 months before planting. Any longer than that, and you risk decreased flowering and vigor when growth resumes.

Here are some more specific guidelines on maximum storage times:

  • 1 month – Ideal storage time for freshest bulbs
  • 6-8 weeks – Common commercial storage length
  • 2-3 months – Maximum recommended time for home storage
  • 4+ months – Increased risk of poor performance

Aim to get peony bulbs in the ground as soon as realistically possible. But know you have some flexibility if weather or soil conditions are not ideal right away. Just be sure to provide the proper storage environment described above.

Monitor the buds carefully as the maximum storage time approaches. Signs that the peony bulbs need planting include:

  • Buds beginning to swell and grow
  • New white roots emerging from bulb
  • Softening of the bulb tissue

Once growth starts, plant the peonies right away or they may languish after being disturbed. Rot can also set in if sprouted bulbs remain damp in storage.

Storing Potted Peonies

Sometimes peonies are purchased already potted rather than as bare root bulbs. Follow these tips for storing potted peonies before fall planting:

  • Provide bright light to keep the foliage healthy.
  • Water sparingly, just enough to keep compost moist.
  • Move potted peonies outside when night temperatures are above 40°F.
  • Bury pots to the rim in garden soil to prevent roots overheating in containers.
  • Plant in the garden as soon as possible.

Take care not to overwater potted peonies, as excess moisture in the confines of a container can quickly lead to root rot. Give them the same bright, cool conditions as bare root bulbs.

When to Plant Peony Bulbs After Storage

In most regions, October is the ideal month for planting peony bulbs stored from late summer harvests. Mid to late fall provides the following conditions that benefit peony establishment:

  • Soil temperatures are cool but not frozen.
  • Consistent soil moisture from fall rains.
  • Plants can develop some root growth before winter.

The bulbs require 6-8 weeks of low temperatures below 50°F after planting to break dormancy. Early fall planting ensures they meet this requirement. It also allows the roots to anchor before repeated freezing and thawing of winter soil.

Bulbs stored for the maximum recommended time should go in the ground immediately. Those purchased in early fall can wait until optimal October planting time if properly stored.

Where to Plant Peony Bulbs After Storage

Look for a sunny, well-draining spot to plant peony bulbs in the fall. Peonies perform best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily. This encourages prolific flowering on established plants.

The soil should have rich organic matter but also good drainage. Peonies are susceptible to root rot if left in wet soil over winter. Add compost to planting beds and avoid low, soggy sites.

Space peonies 2-3 feet apart to account for their broad, bushy growth at maturity. Check tag or catalog descriptions, as some cultivars reach 5 feet across.

Dig holes 2-3 times the width of the bulb and 6 inches deep. Place a small mound of soil in the bottom and set the bulb atop it. This prevents the roots from sitting in wet soil. Backfill with a 50/50 blend of garden soil and compost.

Apply 2-3 inches of mulch over planted areas to insulate soil and conserve moisture. Water thoroughly after planting if fall rains are lacking. Continue watering weekly until the ground freezes.

Caring for Peonies After Planting

Peonies planted in the fall require little maintenance through winter:

  • Water every 10-14 days if rainfall under 1 inch per week.
  • Apply winter mulch after hard freezes arrive.
  • Cover with evergreen boughs in very cold climates.
  • Remove mulch in spring as new growth emerges.

The plants remain dormant through winter. Top growth may not emerge until late spring when soil temperatures rise. Flower buds will appear and open the year after planting.

Be patient with peonies, as it may take a few years for them to settle in and reach maturity. But with proper bulb storage and fall planting, they will thrive for decades in the garden.

Signs of Trouble After Planting

Monitor peonies after fall planting and watch for the following problems:

  • No emergence – Bulbs may have died in storage or be planted too deeply.
  • Small leaves and stunted growth – Usually indicates overcrowded planting.
  • Foliage wilting or dying – Sign of inadequate watering.
  • Failure to flower – Caused by too much shade or improper winter chilling.
  • Botrytis blight – A fungal disease identified by gray, fuzzy growth on leaves.

Catch issues early for the best chance of correction. Improve growing conditions where needed and watch for pests. Overall, peonies are quite hardy and trouble-free once established.

Key Takeaways on Storing and Planting Peony Bulbs

  • Buy peony bulbs in fall and plant as soon as possible.
  • Store in a cool, dark, dry area for up to 2-3 months.
  • Check for swelling buds as a sign bulbs should be planted immediately.
  • Plant stored bulbs in October or as soon as they show growth.
  • Choose a sunny, well-draining spot with rich organic matter.
  • Water regularly after planting and mulch for winter.

Follow these best practices for storing and planting peony bulbs. With proper care, you can enjoy their colorful blooms and lush foliage for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you store peony bulbs over winter?

It is not recommended to store peony bulbs over the entire winter. They have a relatively short shelf life compared to other bulb types. The longest they should be stored is 2-3 months. Leave them in the ground if unable to plant in fall.

What happens if you plant peonies too early?

If planted too early in fall, peony bulbs may sprout some top growth that later gets damaged by harsh winter weather. It’s best to wait until soil temperatures cool below 50°F to avoid erratic sprouting and vegetative growth.

Do peonies need a cold period before blooming?

Yes, peonies require a sustained cold period of temperatures below 50°F for 6-8 weeks after fall planting. This cold shock breaks dormancy and triggers the hormonal signals for flowering in spring. Without it, peony plants may fail to bloom properly.

Can you cut back peonies for the winter?

Peony stems and foliage die back naturally each winter. Cutting them too early can reduce next year’s bloom. Leave the tops intact, then cut back in spring after new growth starts. Exception: In very cold climates, stem tops can be removed once fully dried back.

Do deer eat peonies?

Deer tend to leave emerging and mature peony plants alone. However, deer may eat the tender shoots that appear in spring. Use deer fencing if this occurs, as repeated grazing can weaken plants. Ripe peony seed pods can also attract deer in the fall.

Conclusion

With their lush flowers in an array of colors, peonies are a coveted perennial. By purchasing bulbs in the fall and getting them properly planted and stored, you can enjoy their beauty and fragrance for years to come. Just be sure to provide the bulbs with the right growing conditions through winter and allow time for the plants to establish. With the right care, peonies will thrive and flower abundantly in your garden.

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