The Big Problem That'll Make You Reconsider Growing Peonies From Seeds

If you're searching for new ways to practice being zen, growing peonies (Paeonia lactiflora) from seed might be for you. If, on the other hand, you just want pretty blooms in your garden, you'll want to skip trying to seed this one yourself. It can take four years for peonies to flower when they are planted from seed, so most home gardeners leave that to the professionals and instead head to the nursery when they want a peony to liven up the yard.

For a more budget-friendly way to bring peonies to the garden, dividing these plants is probably the best bet. Does someone you know already have peonies in their yard? Or maybe you have an established clump somewhere in your yard. While they do not need to be divided, and probably would prefer to be left alone, you can divide them to propagate more peonies.

A word to the wise — if your peonies aren't blooming properly, get expert advice before splitting them. Even propagating peonies by dividing the roots may require some patience on your part, as peonies are slow growers, and if you divide your plants into root clumps that are too small, they may take a couple of seasons to bloom.

While you can do this at any time of year, you may want to plan your peony propagation for the fall, after you have cut the plants back to the ground. At this point, their storage roots will be full of nutritious material to help them set new root growth over the fall and winter. It's also important to note that you'll want to wait until a peony is at least 3 years old before dividing it, but if it's already flowering, it should be able to handle division. 

Armed with a sturdy spade and a sharp knife, start digging about 8 to 10 inches from the stems. While it's possible to cut through the crown structure with a shovel, you will be better off digging up the entire root structure and using a knife. Clear away the soil so you can get a good look at the roots and the eyes — the dormant buds, which, at this time of year, may look more like a cut stem than a bud — and use your knife to divide the plant into sections of at least three to five eyes and healthy root systems. If you plant a peony with fewer than three eyes, you may not see flowers during the next growing season. 

Find a spot in full sun with fertile soil to plant your peonies, and use these other tips to successfully grow peonies. Be sure to provide proper winter care for your recovering peonies to help them get established.