How to Feed Peonies

To feed peonies, water the soil first, then apply a diluted liquid fertiliser evenly around the root zone, keeping it 5–10 cm away from the crown. Repeat feeding in three stages — when shoots first emerge, when buds swell, and after flowering — to support strong growth and reliable blooms.

Basic Feeding Method

Feeding peonies is simple once you follow the right steps:

Pre-water the soil: Moist soil absorbs fertiliser better and prevents root burn.
Apply diluted feed: Mix fertiliser in water (4ml per litre for CompleteGrow) and pour evenly around the plant base.
Avoid the crown: Keep fertiliser off buds and stems, applying only to the root zone.
Mulch lightly: After feeding, add a thin mulch layer to lock in moisture and stabilise soil temperature.

This technique works in both garden beds and containers, though potted peonies need feeding more often because nutrients wash out quickly.

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When to Feed Peonies

Peonies should be fertilised three times per season in the ground, and every 2–3 weeks if grown in pots. Timing matters more than quantity:

Early Spring: First feed as soon as red shoots break the soil. This strengthens stems and establishes early foliage.
Late Spring (Bud Stage): A second feed supports flower development, ensuring larger blooms with richer colour.
After Flowering (Early Summer): A final feed restores root reserves, setting up next year’s flowers. This stage is critical — many gardeners skip it and lose blooms the following year.

What Fertiliser Works Best

Peonies respond best to balanced NPK blends in spring, followed by a phosphorus and potassium boost at bud stage:

CompleteGrow All Purpose NPK 20-20-20: A balanced formula perfect for early spring feeding and overall plant health.
CompleteGrow Advanced Formula NPK 4-18-38 + CaMg: Higher in phosphorus and potassium, this formula is ideal from bud stage onward, ensuring stronger roots and fuller blooms.

By shifting from 20-20-20 to 4-18-38 + CaMg across the season, peonies receive exactly what they need at each stage of growth.

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Tips for Feeding Peonies

Consistency over excess: Regular light feeds are better than one heavy application.
Target the roots: Always feed into soil, not on foliage, to avoid burn and ensure uptake.
Adapt for pots: Potted peonies need more frequent but weaker feeds to replace nutrients lost to watering.
Support with water: Fertiliser only works if the plant is well-watered and not drought-stressed.

Common Feeding Mistakes

Too much nitrogen: Produces lush leaves but fewer flowers.
Skipping the post-bloom feed: Weakens roots and reduces flowering the following year.
Planting depth errors: Even perfect fertilising won’t help if peonies are planted too deep to flower.

FAQs on Feeding Peonies

How often should I fertilise peonies? In garden beds: three seasonal feeds. In pots: every 2–3 weeks during active growth.

Do peonies need fertiliser every year? Yes — annual feeding ensures reliable blooms and keeps plants vigorous for decades.

What’s the best way to feed for bigger flowers? Start with a balanced 20-20-20 in early growth, then switch to 4-18-38 + CaMg at bud stage for maximum flower size and colour.

By following a simple cycle — feed early, feed at bud stage, and feed after flowering — peonies will reward you with strong growth and spectacular blooms. Using CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 and CompleteGrow 4-18-38 + CaMg ensures each feed delivers exactly what the plant needs, when it needs it most.