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Over the last while I've become more and more fond of peonies. Who wouldn't think those big balls of petals are cool looking? (ok, ok, so some people don't like them, I know) Anyway, I just got a few flowers off my boss's bushes yesterday and have been even more convinced that I need to get myself some plants. My question is, if I wanted to start them myself would they be better to start from seed or get a cutting? If the latter, are there any good sources for learning how to start cuttings? That is one thing that I really have very little experience in. I could go buy a bush or two but I'd really like to try starting them on my own.

If you are determind to start a plant your self, I find that the root cuttings are a better way to go. Take them in the late fall or early winter. Have a area prepared that is in full sun and soil is fertil humus rich. Plant the cutting a few inches deep. It will take 2-3 years to see one bloom, which will be small in size. Which isn't bad due to sowing peony seed...which one will find ripe in the fall or early winter and if patient will see it germinate in 2-3 years and will bloom in 3-4 years.
Each time one transplants or disturbs the peony's growing place, it will take 2-3 years to bloom each time. Be happy in the area you choose.

Hmm... I think they are easiest to propagate from root divisions....

But I don't "grow" them per ce... Just plant them and forget about them except to give them support so they don't flop over. They are really easy as long as they are planted where they are happy. NOT watering them, I think, is the key.

Personally, I would look for a starter. Make sure after digging-up (the shallow root system) that you get them over to your yard and plop into the ground almost immediately. I suggest watering quite frequently, actually, and adding a super phosphate once a year, to keep the soil slightly acidic. Peonies love rich soil, with a lot of sun!
perennialnorthernmichigan