How to Grow Peonies from Cut Flowers: A Simple Guide

Peonies are one of the most beloved flowers in gardens across the world. Known for their large, lush blooms and enticing fragrance, peonies add a touch of elegance and beauty wherever they grow. While peonies are typically planted from bare roots or divisions, did you know you can also propagate them from cut flower stems? With proper care and technique, rooting peony cuttings allows you to multiply your favorites at little cost. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to successfully grow peonies from cuttings.

When to Take Peony Cuttings

Timing is key when taking peony cuttings. The best time is in early to mid-summer, around June and July, when plants are actively growing. This gives cuttings the best chance to form roots before winter dormancy. Select stems from healthy, established peony plants that are not currently in bloom. Focus on the newest shoots, which are often more flexible. Older, woodier stems are less likely to root well.

The ideal window for rooting cuttings is when daytime temperatures are warm, between 70-80°F (21-27°C). Warm conditions encourage faster root growth. Cooler temperatures in spring or fall slow the rooting process.

Choosing the Right Stems

Examine peony stems to identify ones suitable for cuttings. Look for the following characteristics:

• Pencil-thickness – Opt for stems around the width of a pencil rather than very thin or thick stems.

• Green and supple – Select stems that are still green and succulent, not brown or woody. They should snap cleanly rather than bending limply.

• Mature – Prioritize more mature stems over very young, immature shoots. Mature stems root more reliably.

• No bloom – Only take cuttings from stems without flower buds, which sap energy.

• Undamaged – Avoid stems with insect damage, disease, or other flaws.

Choosing robust, healthy stems boosts the odds of rooting success.

Taking the Cuttings

Once you’ve identified promising peony stems, it’s time to take the cuttings You’ll need a pair of sharp, sterile pruning shears or scissors for clean cuts

Cut each stem to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long. Make a straight cut just below a leaf node. The bottom nodes are where new roots will initially form, so it’s ideal to have several nodes along the length of the cutting. Leaving some leaves at the tip will allow the cutting to continue photosynthesis and provide energy to fuel new root growth.

After cutting, immediately place the peony cuttings in water to keep them hydrated until you’re ready for the next steps. Avoid allowing the stems to dry out.

Preparing Cuttings for Rooting

Before sticking peony cuttings into the rooting medium, it’s important to prepare them properly:

• Trim leaves – Strip off the lower 1/3 of leaves from the stem. Removing the lower leaves prevents the buried portion of the stem from rotting. Leave just a few leaves at the tip.

• Wound stem – Use a clean knife to scrape away the outer bark on the bare end of the stem. Wounding lets stems absorb water and nutrients better.

• Apply rooting hormone (optional) – For an extra boost, dip the wounded end of the cutting in a rooting hormone powder containing auxin. Tap off any excess powder before planting.

• Place in water – Keep prepared cuttings in water until you are ready to stick them into the rooting medium.

Rooting Medium for Peony Cuttings

Peony cuttings need the proper growing conditions to stimulate new root growth. A sterile, well-draining rooting medium is key. Good options include:

• Perlite
• Coarse sand
• Peat moss & perlite
• Vermiculite
• Potting soil mixed with perlite/vermiculite

Moisten the rooting medium before inserting cuttings so it’s damp but not soggy wet. Good drainage prevents rotting.

Planting Peony Cuttings

Fill 3-4 inch pots with the moistened rooting medium. Poke holes with a pencil or chopstick about 2 inches (5 cm) deep. Place one peony cutting upright in each hole, burying about half the stem length. Gently firm the medium around the stems with your fingers.

Space the cuttings 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) apart if planting multiple cuttings in the same container. Label pots with the peony variety and date planted.

Caring for Peony Cuttings

To encourage successful root formation, peony cuttings need attentive care:

• Light – Provide bright, indirect light from a south or west-facing window. Avoid direct hot sun which can scorch tender stems.

• Warmth – Maintain temperatures around 70-80°F (21-27°C). Fluctuating temperatures can stress cuttings.

• Moisture – Keep the rooting medium evenly moist. Water whenever the top inch becomes dry. Take care not to overwater.

• Humidity – Mist peony cuttings daily or place pots on a humidity tray with pebbles and water. High humidity prevents wilting.

• Air circulation – Ensure cuttings receive gentle air movement, which strengthens stems. Avoid cold drafts.

• Fertilizer – Apply half-strength liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to provide nutrients.

Monitor cuttings carefully and make adjustments as needed to keep them in the optimal rooting environment.

Transplanting Rooted Peony Cuttings

Check cuttings after 6-8 weeks by gently tugging on the stems. If you meet resistance, new roots are forming! When cuttings show active growth and fill pots with roots, it’s time to transplant into the garden.

Prepare a permanent site in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Space new peony plants 3 feet apart. Dig holes the depth of the root ball and wider than the spread of the roots. Carefully place each peony into its new hole, keeping the top of the root ball level with the ground. Fill holes with soil, tamping firmly around roots to remove air pockets. Water deeply after transplanting.

Mulch around newly planted peonies with 2-3 inches of organic matter. Provide shade for the first week if temperatures exceed 80°F (27°C). Once established, peonies require minimal care beyond regular watering and fertilizing. Resist the urge to cut blooms the first 2 years so plants can concentrate on root development. Soon you’ll have even more of these timeless beauties from propagating cuttings.

Troubleshooting Peony Cuttings

If your peony cuttings fail to root or struggle, a few issues may be the culprit:

• Rotting stems – Fungal disease from overwatering; improve drainage

• Leaves dropping – Dry air; increase humidity

• No new growth – Inadequate light; move to brighter location

• Small, weak roots – Low temperatures; provide bottom heat

• Poor transplant success – Root disturbance; handle new roots very gently

Don’t become discouraged if cuttings fail on your first try. Properly caring for peony cuttings takes practice. Adjust your methods and try again next growing season. With attention to their preferences, you can multiply your peony collection from cuttings.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to take peony cuttings?

The ideal time is summer when temps are warm, around June-July. This gives cuttings time to form roots before winter dormancy.

How long should peony cuttings be?

Cut peony stems to 6-8 inches long to include several leaf nodes where new roots can emerge.

Should you remove leaves from peony cuttings?

Yes, strip off the lower 1/3 of leaves before sticking cuttings to prevent stem rot. Leave just a few upper leaves.

How long does it take for peony cuttings to root?

With proper care, peony cuttings usually form roots in 6-8 weeks. Check for root growth after 6 weeks.

Can you grow a peony plant from a cut flower?

Yes! With the right harvesting, preparing, and rooting techniques, cut peony stems can be propagated into new plants.

Growing peonies from cuttings allows you to expand your floral bounty at