You bought peony plants (cuttings) in our webshop and want to plant them and don't know where to start. Research on the internet brings you to this blog. Welcome!

Planting instructions for peonies
When you bought peony plants at Molenaar Agriculture, you received them in bags filled with peat moss, we do this against drying out but also to promote the growth of the new hair root already. But what to do next!
Read here the tips we can give you for optimal growth of your peony plant:

• Soil type: A moist, airy and nutrient-rich soil. Clay,- or sandy soil.
• Planting period. October or November. But it is also possible to plant them in spring (March/April). Should you overwinter the cuttings, we recommend storing them in the supplied bags with peat. Do this just above freezing point to give them the necessary cold hours. In addition, keep them moist and do not let them dry out (freezing is also drying out).
• Planting position. Look for a sunny spot with sufficient light, semi-shade is also possible. Furthermore a not too sheltered spot for sufficient air circulation to prevent fungal diseases such as Botrytus. Also not too close to large trees or shrubs, these pull all the moisture and nutrition out of the soil causing the peony to run short. Always plant peonies in a unique spot, the old one is "tired" and will never give the same quality and pleasure as it did.
• Planting depth. Make a hole larger than the plant and loosen the soil underneath a bit. Place the noses (growing points) up between 3 and 5 inches below the soil. Not too deep(!), that may cause the plant to flower poorly (or not at all).
• Planting distance. This depends on purposes. Personally, we plant at 30×75 cm. in our fields. Generally in the garden, 50 centimeters is sufficient for the plant to grow.
• Fertilization. This varies by environment but natural manure never hurts.
• Ensure good drainage. Peonies like plenty of water but beware: they do not like to be under water, this will cause them to rot.

Planting peonies in pots
It is also possible to plant the plant in pots, one variety is better suited for this than the other. Keep in mind that the plant always has more nutrition and vigor in full soil. If you do plant in pots keep in mind that your pot is sufficiently large (at least 25 liters), does not dry out, does not get too wet and is sufficiently fertilized. Multiple years in pot is always a challenge.
Peonies always thrive best in the open ground simply because they have the most space there.

Pruning peonies
The first year it is advisable to head the spent flower to create full photosynthesis and the following year obtain a more mature plant, maintain greenery at all times! It is always advisable to leave at least 2 leaves per stem each season to maintain good flower production.
As soon as the leaves die, remove the crop 5 cm. above the ground. Note: Some varieties (e.g. Itoh's) have new buds growing on the stem, in that case cut the stem 5 cm. above it.
Do not leave the crop lying around, mold may develop from this.

The peony is a perennial that, when planted and cared for properly, will give you years of pleasure!