Back to basics: Peony Growing Zones

One of my favorite facts about peonies is that we can grow them up here in chilly Minnesota, but they cannot be grown in Florida!

I know I’m not alone when I say I have garden envy before for that southern weather able to grow fruits, flowers and veggies year round. But the peonies just might be worth the winter chill and the much shorter growing season.

Peonies need six weeks at 40 degrees or below in their dormant stage before producing those big, beautiful blossoms in the spring.

We have no problem achieving that here in Minnesota. Our farm is located in a 4b / 5a growing zone. Peonies thrive in zones 2-8, which includes much, but not all of the country.

If you don’t know your growing zone, click the button below.

Knowing your growing zone is especially important for peonies because it determines how deep your peony root should be planted to ensure it get’s the right amount of winter chill. Not too much and not too little. The colder your winter temperatures, the deeper your peony root should be planted.

In the coldest zone, the roots should be about 2” below the soil level. But in the warmest peony growing zones, the roots should be just barely below the soil surface. This is important!

Right now I do have a bit of apprehension with our teens below zero temperatures because we have no snow on the ground to act as insulation from the snow.

Only time will tell if some of the peonies in our field will suffer from some dieback or winter damage. I’ll be sure to keep you posted and be sure to do the same. I love to hear how your peonies are doing where you live, both established ones and newly planted.