Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Peony — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Paeonia lactiflora |
|---|---|
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 730–1095 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 91.4–121.9 |
| Mature height (cm) | 61–91.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 91.4–121.9 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–8 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Division |
Growing directions
Plant roots with the pink eyes no more than 1–2 in below the soil surface — planting too deeply is the most common reason peonies fail to bloom. Peonies require 6 weeks of temperatures below 40°F to set flower buds, so they need cold winters and are not suited to zones 9+. Expect minimal bloom the first 1–2 years as the plant establishes; mature plants can live 50+ years with little care. Cut foliage to the ground in fall to remove potential disease inoculum.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0