What and When to Feed Peonies

The best fertiliser for peonies is a balanced liquid NPK 20-20-20, which provides equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Peonies should be fed three times a year — in early spring as shoots emerge, late spring during bud development, and again after flowering to restore root reserves for the next season.

What to Feed Peonies

Peonies are nutrient-hungry perennials that store energy in their tuberous roots. For flowers to form, they require balanced nutrition:

Nitrogen (N): Builds healthy leaves and stems, which power photosynthesis and fuel bud development. However, too much nitrogen results in foliage at the expense of flowers.
Phosphorus (P): Critical for strong root growth and bud initiation. Without it, peonies often produce leaves but few or no flowers.
Potassium (K): Strengthens stems, improves colour intensity, and helps plants resist stress and disease.

This is why a balanced NPK 20-20-20 fertiliser works best. Liquid formulas, such as CompleteGrow All Purpose NPK 20-20-20, absorb quickly and bypass nutrient lock-up in heavier soils, giving peonies fast access to essential elements.

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When to Feed Peonies

Peonies must be fed during active growth stages, when nutrients directly support root reserves and flowering. Timing is everything — applying fertiliser at the wrong stage can waste nutrients or reduce blooms.

Early Spring (new shoots): Apply fertiliser as red shoots emerge from the soil. This fuels strong stems and foliage, building the energy foundation for buds.
Late Spring (bud swelling): A second feed at bud stage increases flower size, colour, and fragrance. This is the critical point for maximum bloom quality.
After Flowering (early summer): Once petals drop, feed again to recharge the root system. This “post-bloom feed” is the most important, as it determines how many buds form for the next year.

Do not fertilise in late summer or autumn. At this stage peonies enter dormancy, and extra feeding produces soft, weak growth instead of stored energy.

Why Timing Matters

Unlike annual flowers, peonies think ahead. Each year’s feeding schedule sets up the following year’s flowers. Feeding after bloom is especially vital because the plant channels nutrients back into the tubers, creating next spring’s buds. Skipping this step is one of the most common reasons peonies fail to flower reliably.

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Feeding Peonies in Pots vs Garden Beds

Peonies in pots exhaust nutrients more quickly than those in the ground. Adjust feeding routines accordingly:

Garden Beds: Stick to the three main feeds per year. Balanced liquid fertiliser is enough to maintain strong growth.
Potted Peonies: Feed every 2–3 weeks during the growing season, as container soils lose nutrients faster. Use diluted liquid fertiliser for steady results without salt build-up.

FAQs on Feeding Peonies

What fertiliser is best for peonies? A balanced liquid NPK 20-20-20 fertiliser. It supports foliage, root strength, and flower formation equally.

When should I fertilise peonies? Feed in early spring, late spring, and again after flowering. Avoid feeding in late summer or autumn.

Do peonies need fertiliser every year? Yes. Without yearly feeding, root reserves weaken and blooms decline in size and number.

To keep peonies flowering consistently, follow the three-feed cycle and use a liquid NPK 20-20-20 fertiliser such as CompleteGrow All Purpose. This ensures strong roots, vibrant blooms, and healthy plants season after season.