Peony Season 2025
- Julie Pal
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
The peony shoots are coming through here in Kansas, marking my internal clock for spring. Preparation for harvest is underway, it'll be here before we know it. In this post I hope to provide information on enjoying flowers, saving stems, and maintaining beautiful plants.
The best thing to do this time of year is to protect plants from lawn mowers and weed eaters, remove dead and diseased foliage if you haven't already, and let the anticipation and excitement build for flowers! Freezing and fluctuating temperatures are normal this time of year. In fact, a layer of snow will actually insulate your stems and protect them if a late storm occurs. Mother Nature is always in charge, we roll with the punches when it comes to weather, and hope for the best.
Here's how to kick off sping, and ensure beautiful blooms and a healthy plant.
Take care of the pysical space around your plants: If you have weeds or grass encroaching on your plants, pull them so that the plant can grow without competing for moisture and nutrients.
Know your soil: before applying any fertilizer or nutrients, get a soil study. Often, you can get a soil study for free through your local extension agent. If your soil is deficient in nutrients, apply fertilizer specific to what it needs. Early spring or fall is the best time to apply.
Look for and remove plant disease: Botrytis is the most common disease that afflicts peonies. It is a fungal disease that develops on the leaves and stems in early spring. Prevention is the best intervention; achieved with sufficient fall cleanup and removal of any parts of the plan affected. The American Peony Society is a valuable resource with a great article with images on the subject. You can find the information HERE.
Water, but not too much: Peonies to not like wet feet. Ensure your plant is in an area with adequate drainage and plenty of sun exposure.
All about the flower.
Flowers, in general, are so special because they are temporary: Peonies bring us to the present, we enjoy beauty for a moment, and then they are gone. Peonies have a special ability to bring emotion and nostalgia as they hit on all of the senses with visual beauty, scent, and even touch. Enjoy them while they last!
Wanna have your flowers bloom in a vase or share with a friend? Harvesting peonies when they are at a 'marshmallow stage' gives maximal vase life. Here's what that looks like. Harvest tip
Saving stems for later: Holding peony stems might be one of the best secrets when it comes to flowers. Many people don't know that you can cut and store for up to a month. Don Hollingsworth has written several articles on the subject. Check it out HERE. You can also see a short video on holding stems HERE.
Interested in Purchasing Flowers?
Ordering available from my website:
Spring bouquet subscription Here
Custom orders: please fill out a contact form Here
Wholesale: Whole sale available through the KC wholesale floral collective as well as direct order through my wholesale platform through Rooted Farmers. https://www.rootedfarmers.com/profiles/julie-pal-peonies
Whole Foods in Brookside Missouri will once again be carrying peony bunches. They will be available for purchase from May 14 through June 14 in the floral department. These usually sell out each Thursday-get there early!
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