this post was submitted on 08 Jun 2025
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Gardening

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[–] [email protected] 9 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Seems ok to me, they don't get very tall and they'll fill out over the years as new shoots form.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 4 days ago

Yeah they tend to stall some times. I planted 3 bulbs one year and barely got a foot of growth. The next year they came up fast with multiple stems and 1 had multiple flowers.

[–] NataliePortland 3 points 4 days ago

Awesome thank you

[–] [email protected] 7 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Yes! She’s doing great! Typically the first year (or couple years) you’ll only get 1-2 stems from the ground, but it will increase over the years. One suggestion would be to remove some of the grass/etc in the vicinity - peonies like their space and will need the water/nutrients to thrive. For reference, typical farm spacing is recommended 4ft apart. Another tip is to disbud any buds the first two years. Just pop them off as soon as you see them form. This will help your new peonies put energy into leaves and roots for a healthier plant. You can then allow them to bloom in year 3.

[–] NataliePortland 4 points 4 days ago (3 children)

Oh man two years? But I want a peony NOW!

Alright that’s disappointing but I guess it’s worth the wait. Thanks the the tips

[–] [email protected] 5 points 4 days ago

It is worth the wait. Ours didn't start blooming for about 3 years, but now it is amazingly beautiful and had been going strong for 12 years now.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 days ago

I had one I planted not come up the first year.

The second year it sent up a small shoot.

The third year it sent up 4 shoots but 3 of them were smashed by my older sons basketball.

The 4th year it grew 5 shoots.

It finally bloomed for the first time on the firth year

6 years later it's a large bush with tons of flowers.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 days ago

I know!! But yes, worth the wait. If you are in the US, you may be able to snag some tail-end season peonies from your local farmers or Trader Joe’s. Or order some from Alaska! I like Scenic Place Peonies for cuts :)