How to Cut Peony Bulbs

Woody bulb-like roots are the underground energy storehouse for some perennial plants like peonies. During the warm-weather months, the peony engages in photosynthesis, or the process of converting sunlight to fuel through the green leaves. Like bulbs, the roots capture that fuel and store it as sugar to give energy to the next year's bloom. Dividing the roots is one way to propagate, or make more, peonies. Dig up your peony clump in the fall before the threat of frost approaches.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pitchfork
• Garden hose with sprayer
• Sharp serrated knife or saw
• Shovel

1. Dig up the peony root mass with a pitchfork. Dig in several inches from where you believe the roots to be and work inward to avoid damaging the woody roots. Wait until the green leaves have died back for the fall. Failure to do so may shock the plant and prevent it from stockpiling the nutrients it needs to bloom the following year.

2. Spray the roots with the garden hose to loosen dirt so you can see the individual bulbous underground stems.

3. Plan your cut by identifying the eyes on the root mass. The eyes may be pink and resemble small fleshy shoots on top of the woody roots. Each eye has the potential to be its own plant; however, Ken Druse of "Making More Plants" recommends that each cutting have no fewer than three eyes.

4. Use a knife or saw to separate root portions that contain three or more eyes. You can saw straight down from the top. Alternately, use a sharp shovel to separate the peony root ball.

5. Keep the cuttings moist because you plan to replant them. Ken Druse says they can be stored for up to a week if kept cool and out of sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Although peonies actually have fibrous roots and not bulbs, they are sometimes sold through nurseries and catalogs labeled as bulbs because you plant and divide them in a similar manner. Both peony bulbs and peony roots are the same product.
• Avoid chopping off too much root mass when digging up your peony clump. Larger and better established roots are better able to provide nutrients to plants. Healthy roots mean more spectacular flowers. Get your peonies back into the ground well before the frost occurs in your area so the roots will have a chance to establish before winter. Perennials need cold to trigger their dormancy; however, they need to be in place before the ground freezes.

References

• "Make More Plants"; Ken Druse; 2000