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Love peonies?
Want bigger blooms?
You’re in the right place!
Try these 7 secrets and watch your peonies thrive like never before.
Ready for some blooming magic?
Let’s get started!
Pick the Right Spot
Your peonies need a sunny spot to shine. Choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight every day.
They love the sun and need it to produce those big, lush blooms you’re after. Make sure the soil is well-draining because peonies hate wet feet!
Give Them Space
Peonies need room to grow. Plant them about 3 to 4 feet apart to give their roots plenty of space to spread out.
This also helps with airflow, which can prevent those pesky diseases that sometimes plague flower gardens.
Plant Them Properly
When you plant peonies, the depth is key. Make sure the eyes (the small reddish or white buds) are just 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface.
Planting them too deep can keep them from blooming well.
Feed Them Right
Peonies are heavy feeders. Give them some balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after they bloom.
Look for a fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This will help your plants grow strong and produce big, beautiful flowers.
Water Wisely
Keep your peonies happy by watering them deeply. Instead of frequent shallow watering, give them a good soak once a week.
This encourages deep root growth. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent diseases.
Support the Stems
Those big blooms can get heavy, causing the stems to droop. Use peony rings or stakes to support the stems as they grow.
It’s best to put them in place early in the season before the plants get too big and start blooming.
Deadhead Spent Blooms
Once your peonies finish blooming, cut off the spent flowers. This keeps the plants looking tidy and encourages them to put energy into root growth instead of seed production.
Plus, it helps prepare them for an even better show next year!