Peonies have an exciting life cycle. They go through 3 important phases –– the growing stage, the flowering stage, and the resting stage.
In the first year, a peony doesn’t blossom, but in the second year, the buds will bloom.
The flowers will become more beautiful each year. Peonies require care and attention throughout their life cycle.
Peonies are native to North America and Asia. Their scientific name is Paeonia.
The genus name is Paeonia, but it is more commonly spelled as Paeony. It is a member of the plant family, Paeoniaceae.
Peonies come in a variety of colors and fragrances. They are also the state flower of Indiana.
They are a beautiful, fragrant perennial that can be grown almost anywhere.
In fact, many varieties of Peonies can even survive a zone two winter.
Once germination is complete, the plant grows up to two-thirds to four-fifths of a foot in height. During this time, flower buds form on the upper leaves.
The blooming stage begins once the flower buds reach the size of a golf ball.
Here are the 3 crucial growing stages of Peonies:
The Germination Stage of Peony
The Germination stage of the peony is the first stage in the peony’s life cycle.
It begins with seedlings in the soil and continues until they reach the full height of 3 to 5 feet (36 to 60 inches).
The peony’s first year is when it might form a few buds, but these will not likely turn into flowers. This stage is also when the plant can benefit from organic mulch or diluted liquid fertilizer.
Peony seedlings should be planted at least 6 weeks before the ground freezes to ensure optimum growth and blooming.
The best time for planting peonies is before the first frost, but it depends on where you live. It is best to plant peonies 3 to 4 feet apart.
Peony seeds need warm, moist conditions to germinate. The seeds can take anywhere from four to 12 weeks to sprout.
The timeframe for the seeds to germinate depends on the type of seed coat. If the seed coat is tough, it may need two growing seasons before it sprouts.
Once peonies have reached the Germination stage, they require six hours of sunlight a day. They can be planted in a sunny, well-drained location with good air circulation.
Peonies need good drainage to avoid botrytis. Botrytis is a fungal disease that affects peonies. It’s common in most soils and can lead to stunted growth and poor blooming.
Botrytis symptoms include blackened stems and rotting at the base of the plant. Prevention begins with proper planting.
When planting peonies, it’s important to keep the roots moist, so they don’t dry out too quickly.
Watering them regularly will prevent them from succumbing to pests and diseases. If you fertilize peony plants in the fall, you may increase the chances of a blooming season.
Peony flowers have an incredible scent. They last about seven to ten days and have lots of attractive petals.
In addition, peonies have a long life cycle, taking about three to four years to reach full maturity.
During their first year, they won’t bloom, but they will form flowering buds and will blossom in the second year.
After sprouting, you should transplant the seedlings in pots or under lights indoors.
Depending on your area, the peony may take 2 years to reach its full blooming potential, but it will be worth the wait.
The Flowering Stage of Peony
When peonies are in the flowering stage, they begin to open their petals. This typically takes 7 to 10 days.
Peonies often have hundreds of flowering buds, and they can bloom for up to 6 weeks.
After blooming, peonies shed their vegetative parts and go dormant, but you can give them a boost with organic mulch or diluted liquid fertilizer.
It is important to plant peonies earlier in the growing season. This will help the plants adjust to the soil and environment and will maximize their potential blooming period.
Otherwise, peonies will focus on root establishment, reducing their first flowering season and affecting the flowering period the next year.
To get the most out of peony blooms, make sure to plant peonies early in the spring, before the first frost.
If your peony is not blooming in the first year, you should consider replanting it in an area that receives ample sunlight.
Planting too deeply may also prevent peonies from getting enough light to set their buds. You should also protect your peony’s growing area during the cold months.
Peonies attract ants, which are attracted to the sugary droplets on flower buds.
This is good for the flowers, as ants help open the buds. Also, the ants keep harmful insects away.
If you cut a peony, shake it or dunk it in water to remove any traces of sticky residue.
The flowering stage of peonies varies according to region. In warmer climates, peonies bloom earlier, while those in cooler regions flower later.
They are best planted in zones 3-8.
Their blooming time is approximately seven to ten days. And, unlike many flowers, peonies do not like to be transplanted.
As long as they are grown properly, they will last for a hundred years, or more.
The Rest Stage of Peony
The rest stage is an important time for peony care. You need to keep the plant well-watered and make sure there are no pests or diseases.
At this stage, the flowers will open and be soft to the touch.
You can cut them in bud form and bring them indoors for a flower arrangement.
When cutting peonies, you should be very careful to cut them in the right stage. You should cut them at a slight angle and a few inches down the stem.
This stage will have a shorter vase life, so it is important to keep them in a cool place.
You can leave them outdoors during the day but not if there’s a storm coming.
After cutting your peonies, let them rest for about half an hour. Don’t rush them into the water right away. If they’ve been in a pot or container for a while, they will think the party has begun and will “bomb open.”
A peony that’s been in a container for a while will develop thicker stems and flower buds more readily.
Peony bushes respond well to fertilizing. A fertilizer that contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will give the plants extra nutrients for larger growth and larger blooms.
Apply fertilizer to the ground around peonies, but don’t apply it directly on the crown. If you use a non-organic fertilizer, remember to use a ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus, and avoid fertilizer that has too much potassium.
These guidelines will only work for specific situations, so it’s always best to consult a professional to learn about the best fertilizer for your situation.
During the resting stage of the peony life cycle, a peony is preparing for its first spring bloom.
During this time, it is important to protect the plants from cold weather.
Peonies are heavy feeders, so you should avoid planting them in the heat of summer or too soon after a frost has been forecast.
It’s also important to plant peonies during the fall when the ground temperature is still cool. This helps the plant set its buds for spring bloom.
How long does a cut Peony last?
After the blooming period, a cut peony will not last for long. Peonies make lovely cut flowers.
They can last up to a week or longer in a vase if the stems are properly cut and trimmed.
To increase the longevity of your peonies, remember to cut them in the morning.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends cutting the stems when they are mostly closed.
You can also add one teaspoon of baking soda to the vase to help your flowers keep their freshness.
Conclusion
It’s best to cut Peonies when the buds are soft. But keep in mind that the cut peony will not bloom again if you store it in a refrigerator.
In the meantime, you can keep them indoors, away from the blistering wind and sun.
Peonies make lovely cut flowers. They can last up to a week or longer in a vase if the stems are properly cut and trimmed.
To increase the longevity of your peonies, remember to cut them in the morning.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends cutting the stems when they are mostly closed.
You can also add one teaspoon of baking soda to the vase to help your flowers keep their freshness.