What if you can’t plant your peony roots right away?

A big thank you to Tanya for the questions that prompted this week’s email content.

How long can I wait to plant my roots once received?  And, what’s the best conditions to ‘hold’ them during that time?

I know it’s best to get them in when they arrive but that won’t happen this year because … well … “life.”

-Tanya

First off, she’s exactly right. It is best to plant roots right away when you get them.

But if you can’t because ”life” gets in the way you do have a couple options. This applies to roots that have been ordered in the mail or roots that you may have dug up to transplant that can’t get in the ground right away.

What I would recommend is to keep the peony root(s) in the refrigerator in the bag they came in, wood shavings and all.

The bag should be closed loosely, but not sealed tight.

Be sure to check the roots every few days to make sure they aren’t too wet. If the bag seems wet inside, open it up to give the root some air.

The roots can remain in the fridge for quite a long time as long as they aren’t too dry or too wet, but it’s always best to plant as soon as you can.

Alternatively, you can plant the peony root in a pot and keep that in the fridge or another location that remains cool.

Either way, give the roots a good soak in a bucket of water before planting to rehydrate them.

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

The quick version of growing instructions when you do get to planting is this:

• Soak the root in a bucket of water for about 30 minutes.

• Dig a hole a few inches wider and deeper than your root.

• Place your root in the hole with the pink or white eyes pointed up.

• Refill the hole with soil so that the eyes of your root end up about 1” to 2” below the surface. Colder zones should be planted closer to 2” and warmer zones should be planted closer to 1”. See the full growing instructions or give me a buzz if you have questions on this part.

• Water thoroughly.

The complete planting instructions come with your peony root in the mail but you can also find them by clicking the button below.

I am always happy to help in planting so please don’t hesitate to reach out. During this busy season, email or text is best.