When Is the Best Time to Plant Peony Roots?

The best time to plant peonies is in the fall or spring.

If you’re planting in fall, you’ll want to get peony roots in the ground two to four weeks prior to the first hard freeze. If that has come and gone in your region, store your roots over winter and plant them once the ground has warmed up in spring.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Peony Roots over Winter

The goal with storing your peony roots over winter is to keep the roots dormant and prevent them from drying out. Peonies are hardy plants and with a little care, you can easily store them over winter and plant them successfully in spring.

Step 1: Unpack and Get to Know Your Roots

When your peony roots arrive, open the package right away. You’ll notice firm, healthy roots with visible “eyes” or buds — these are the beginnings of next year’s blooms. A little dryness on the surface is perfectly normal after shipping.

Step 2: Find the Right Storage Spot

Peony roots like it cool, dark, and dry while they rest. Choose a spot that stays between 35–45°F (2–7°C). This can be an unheated basement, garage, root cellar, or even the back of a refrigerator. Avoid spots that get direct sunlight or freeze.

Step 3: Tuck Them in for Winter

• Place the roots in a paper bag or cardboard box (avoid plastic, which traps moisture).
• Surround them with a loose, slightly damp (not wet) material like peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite to prevent drying out.
• Label your bag or box so you’ll know what’s inside.
• Check the roots once a month to make sure they still feel firm. If the packing material feels very dry, lightly mist it before resealing.

Step 4: Plant When the Ground Thaws

After the last frost, when the ground has started to warm in spring, your peony roots are ready to be planted.

Peony Planting Instructions:

1. Choose an area with at least 6 hours of sunlight with soil that has good drainage.

2. Dig a hole 12-18” deep. Mix soil with an all-purpose fertilizer. Add the amended and loosened soil back into the hole.

3. Place Peony roots 2-3” under the soil line with eyes facing upward, and then gently pack the soil over the roots.

4. Water well.

SHOP PEONY ROOTS