How to start a peony farm...the things we didn't know!

Starting a peony farm is a dream for flower lovers. Peonies are not only adored for their breathtaking blooms and heavenly scent, but they are also regarded as the king of flowers in Japan and China. They have been thought of as representing wealth and honour. It's easy to get caught up in their mystique and beauty however before embarking on this journey, we had to research many aspects of peonies and other considerations to lead to success.

Choosing the Right Location

Selecting the perfect location for our peony farm is the foundation for our success. Peonies thrive in well-drained soil and require at least six hours of sunlight each day to flourish. Did you know that peonies require cold weather to assist with their dormancy period? Alberta is an ideal location to grow peonies for these reasons.

Preparing the Soil

Preparing the soil is vital for healthy peony growth. Ensuring the peonies have enough nutrients, the correct pH and good drainage is key. We wanted to keep the land free of weeds until our peonies are planted. We found that it was best not to use chemicals on the land. Instead we grew buckwheat as a cover crop. We will be planting our second crop this week.

The Peony Patch ready for buckwheat planting

The buckwheat cover crop was a success!

Selecting Peony Varieties

The world of peonies is diverse. Each type has unique qualities, growth habits, and bloom times. For example, herbaceous peonies are often preferred for their fragrant flowers and ease of care, while tree peonies are known for their stunningly large blooms and woody structure. If you're looking for specific examples, consider the "Sarah Bernhardt" for its soft pink blooms or "Coral Sunset" for its vibrant coral colour that fades over time in the vase. We are excited to offer 16 varieties of peonies, including herbaceous and Japanese peonies.

Planting Our Peonies

Timing is key when planting peonies. There was so much to learn about when to plant, how far apart the plants should be and even how deep they should be planted. We really grew an appreciation for the intricacies of farming! Our peonies will be planted October 2025.

Caring for Our Peony Farm

After planting, consistent care is critical for our peonies to thrive. When to water, or not water and even how to water is more important than one would realize to keep fungus away. We are looking forward to watching the growth process and will share this in our blog.

Harvesting Peonies

The moment peonies bloom is truly thrilling! Harvesting from 500 peony plants is going to be a huge task but we are up for the challenge.

Our Peony Journey

Beginning a peony farm is a fulfilling adventure filled with beauty and fun. We can't wait for the adventures ahead!

One of our peony bouquets.