Peonies are beautiful plants that can be propagated through cuttings taken in late summer or early fall. In this blog, we will explain how to take peony cuttings.
Peonies are prized for their lavish, romantic blooms and lovely fragrance. While peonies are typically propagated from root divisions, did you know you can also grow peonies from cut flower stems? With proper care, peony cuttings can develop into fully rooted new plants. Follow this step-by-step guide for tips to successfully root peony cuttings.
When to Take Peony Cuttings
The best time to take peony cuttings is in early summer when plants are actively growing. Choose stems from healthy, established peony plants that are not blooming Cuttings rooted during warm weather have the highest rate of success
Selecting Peony Stems for Cuttings
Pick stems that are pencil-thickness, about the diameter of a pencil. Avoid thin, weak stems. Look for stems that are green and succulent but not soft. The stems should snap cleanly when bent instead of bending limply.
Making the Cut
Use sterilized, sharp pruners or scissors to take 6-8 inch peony stem cuttings. Make a straight cut just below a leaf node. The bottom nodes are where roots will emerge, so having several nodes on the cutting improves results.
Preparing the Cutting
Before planting strip off the lower leaves from each cutting. About the bottom third of the cutting should be bare of foliage. Leave the top leaves to provide energy for root growth through photosynthesis.
Optionally dip the bare end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder to spur root development. Tap off any excess powder before planting.
Potting Peony Cuttings
Fill small pots with a sterile, well-draining potting mix. Moisten the mix before planting. Poke holes in the soil with a pencil about 2 inches deep. Insert a peony cutting in each hole, burying about half its length. Firm the soil gently around the stems.
Caring for Peony Cuttings
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Location: Place pots in bright, indirect light out of direct sun. An area with 50-70% shade is ideal.
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Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. Water when the top inch of soil becomes dry.
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Humidity: High humidity encourages rooting, so set pots on trays filled with pebbles and water. Cover with plastic to contain humidity.
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Temperature: Maintain warm temperatures around 70-80°F. Avoid cold drafts.
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Fertilizer: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 2-3 weeks.
Transplanting Rooted Peony Cuttings
In about 8-12 weeks, cuttings should show signs of new growth, indicating root formation. Gently tug on cuttings to check for resistance from roots before transplanting into the garden.
Prepare a planting bed amended with compost and choose a site with full sun to part shade. Space new peony plants 3-4 feet apart. Water deeply after transplanting and provide shade if temperatures rise above 80°F.
Ongoing Care of Peony Plants
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Allow plants to become established for 2-3 years before taking any flower stems. Removing buds encourages root growth.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost around plants in early spring.
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Water deeply if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Avoid wetting foliage.
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Stake tall plants to prevent flopping.
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Divide crowded clumps every 3-5 years in fall.
Troubleshooting Peony Cuttings
Root rot – Cuttings collapse from too much moisture. Allow more time between waterings and use a very well-draining soil mix.
No root growth – Increase humidity and bottom heat while ensuring cuttings receive gentle light. Change water regularly to prevent bacteria.
Leaves fall off – Dry air, overwatering, or excess heat can cause leaf drop. Provide consistent moisture and ideal temperatures.
Weak growth – Insufficient light after rooting prevents robust growth. Gradually introduce to brighter light.
Leggy growth – Cuttings stretch between nodes from inadequate light. Move cuttings closer to bright, indirect light source.
Failure to bloom – Young plants may not bloom for the first 2-3 years. Allow them time to mature and build reserves.
While growing peonies from cuttings requires diligence, the reward isMultiply your peony collection for free. Root cuttings in summer from healthy stems, provide ideal conditions, and transplant into the garden in fall. Soon you’ll have an abundance of this timeless flower.
How to take peony cuttings successfully
Taking peony cuttings is a simple and rewarding way to propagate new plants. Follow these steps for success:
- Step 1: Pick the right time. Late summer or early fall is the best time to take peony cuttings.
- The second step is to get your tools ready. You will need pruning shears that are sharp, a clean knife, and rooting hormone powder.
- Step 3: Pick the right stem. On the peony plant, look for a healthy stem that is about 6 inches long and has at least two or three nodes. Make a 45-degree cut in the stem just below a node.
- Step 4: Remove the leaves. Cut off all but the first two or three leaves from the stem.
- Step 5: Use rooting hormone. Dip the end of the stem that was cut into the rooting hormone powder. This will help stimulate the growth of new roots.
- Sixth step: plant the cutting. Place the cutting in soil that drains well.
- Step 7: Take care of the cut by keeping it somewhere warm and damp.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to grow new peonies and enjoy their beautiful flowers in your garden or as cut flowers inside.
Growing peonies for cut flower production
FAQ
Can you replant cut peonies?
Do peonies self-propagate?
How to take peony cuttings?
Here are the steps to take peony cuttings: Prepare the tools: Before you begin taking peony cuttings, make sure you have clean and sharp tools. You will need a clean sharp knife or garden shears for dividing the peony roots. Select the right plants: Choose healthy, mature peony plants to take cuttings from.
Can you grow peonies from cuttings?
Peonies are beautiful flowering plants that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. While they are commonly propagated through division, it is also possible to grow peonies from cuttings. This method can be more challenging, but it can also be rewarding to see your newly rooted cuttings grow into healthy plants.
How long does a peony cutting garden take to grow?
A peony cutting garden develops slowly, and the plants must be allowed to establish themselves before harvest can be taken. It is normal for a peony plant to flower very little or not at all within the first three years.
How do you grow a peony plant?
Grow peonies in deep, fertile, humus-rich, moist soil that drains well. Soil pH should be neutral. Peony plants require little maintenance as long as they are planted properly and establish themselves. Note, however, that they do not respond well to transplanting, so you should plan your planting site accordingly.