Chinese Peony

Chinese Peony are known as the "King of Flowers" in China where they are beloved! This striking ornamental flowering plant known for its lush, full blooms and vibrant colors, producing large, fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, red, and purple atop a bushy form. These herbaceous flowering perennials can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet and are characterized by dark green, deeply lobed leaves that provide a beautiful backdrop to the showy flowers. Chinese Peonies require minimal maintenance once established. They can be used to create striking floral displays, add color to garden beds, or serve as a centerpiece in floral arrangements. The Chinese Peony have been cultivated in China for over 2,000 years, and they were revered by ancient Chinese emperors as symbols of wealth, honor, and high social status and is celebrated in many Chinese festivals and art forms. It is also a popular subject in traditional Chinese paintings and ceramics.

Also Known As: Chinese Peony, Common Garden Peony, Herbaceous Peony, White Peony, Bai Shao, Garden Peony, French Peony, Mudan Hua, Peony Flower, Peonia.

Plant Name:	Peony, Chinese
Latin Name:	Paeonia lactiflora
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Bloom:	3-5 Years
Plant Height:	3 - 4 Feet
Spread:	2 - 3 Feet
Bloom Diameter:	3 - 6 Inches
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	3-8
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 3 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Peony seeds require warm-cold stratification. Soak seeds in room-temperature tap water for 3 days, changing the water daily to remove any natural chemical inhibitors on the seed coat that prevent germination. Then begin stratifying seeds: sow seeds 1 inch deep in a flat with moist, fertile potting soil. Leave the flat outdoors for 90 days of summer (70F-80F) and 90 days of winter (or place in fridge at 40F if not cold enough). Optionally, apply a light layer of mulch to keep the flat moist. Peony seeds may germinate after 1 year, typically the following summer.

Once Peony seedlings are 4-6 inches tall and have several sets of true leaves, transplant them to their permanent location. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	3-4 feet

Care During the Season:

Peonies are cold-hardy, deciduous perennial shrubs and require minimal care once established. Peonies require at least six hours of sunlight daily. Water peonies deeply once a week, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. In early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer or compost to encourage strong growth. Deadhead spent flowers to promote a tidy appearance and prevent seed formation, directing energy back into the roots. Support taller varieties with stakes or rings to prevent flopping. As fall approaches, allow the foliage to die back naturally before cutting it to the ground to prevent disease. Avoid disturbing the roots, as peonies prefer to stay in the same location for many years.