When to plant peonies
Short answer
Plant peonies about 6 weeks before your first fall frost. In a mid climate (zone 5) that's around Sep 13. It’s a perennial — expect your first real harvest in year 2–3. Enter your ZIP for your exact dates.
| Climate zone | Start indoors | Plant outside | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | Nov 8 | Year 2–3 |
| Zone 2 | — | Oct 24 | Year 2–3 |
| Zone 3 | — | Oct 14 | Year 2–3 |
| Zone 4 | — | Sep 29 | Year 2–3 |
| Zone 5 | — | Sep 13 | Year 2–3 |
| Zone 6 | — | Aug 29 | Year 2–3 |
| Zone 7 | — | Aug 14 | Year 2–3 |
| Zone 8 | — | Jul 25 | Year 2–3 |
Higher climate-zone numbers are colder, so planting shifts later. Peonies is a hardy crop. Enter your ZIP in the calculator for your exact zone and dates.
Your exact dates
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Frequently asked questions
When should I plant peonies?
Plant peonies about 6 weeks before your first fall frost. In a warmer zone 4 that's around Sep 29; in a colder zone 6, Aug 29.
How is peonies planted?
Peonies is planted as a bare-root or potted plant, not started from seed indoors.
How long until peonies produces?
Peonies is a perennial. It establishes over a season or two, so expect your first real blooms in year 2–3 rather than the first year.