From our perspective, timing is everything. We, the peonies, have a very specific growth cycle dictated by the seasons. The absolute best time for you to undertake this process is in the early autumn, typically from late September to early October. At this time, the intense summer heat has passed, and the soil is still warm, which encourages our root systems to heal and establish themselves before the ground freezes. More importantly, we have finished our above-ground growth for the year. Our energy, stored meticulously in our thick, tuberous roots, has retreated from our stems and leaves and is now focused entirely below the soil. Disturbing us during our active spring growth or our spectacular blooming period is incredibly stressful and can set us back for years. Autumn division works in harmony with our natural biological rhythm.
Please approach our excavation with care. Using a sharp spade, dig a wide circle around our crown, staying at least a foot away from the base of our stems. Our root systems are extensive and fragile. Gently lift the entire clump from the ground, shaking off the loose soil and then washing the roots with a gentle spray of water. This allows you to see our eyes—those small, reddish-pink buds on the crown from which next year's growth will emerge. These are the most critical parts of our being that you must protect.
Now, inspect our large, tangled root mass. Your goal is to divide us into healthy, viable sections. Using a sharp, sterilized knife, carefully cut the clump into divisions. Each new division must have at least three to five of our precious "eyes" and a substantial portion of thick, healthy roots to support that new growth. Smaller divisions with only one or two eyes will take many more seasons to become robust, flowering plants. This act of division is not just for propagation; it rejuvenates us. Old, massive clumps can become crowded and woody in the center, leading to reduced flowering. By dividing us, you grant us a new lease on life.
Where and how you replant us is paramount to our future success. We demand a location with at least six hours of full sun and well-draining soil; sitting in water will cause our roots to rot. Prepare a generous hole, amending the soil with compost. The single most important detail is planting depth. In our case, less is more. Position the division so that our eyes are no more than 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface. If you plant us too deeply, we will stubbornly refuse to bloom, putting all our energy into leaf growth instead. Place us in the hole, backfill gently, and water us thoroughly to settle the soil around our roots and eliminate air pockets.
After transplanting, please be patient. We will not send up new growth immediately. Our entire focus is on establishing our root system in our new location before winter's dormancy. A layer of mulch applied after the ground has frozen will protect our shallow eyes from heaving during freeze-thaw cycles. Come spring, we may send up only a few shoots in our first year as we concentrate our energy on root development. You may not see many, or any, flowers that first season. But with proper care, by the second year, we will reward your patience with strong growth and, in the third year, a magnificent display of blooms that honors your careful work.
