The seven stages of peony growth (And whre we’re at right now)
Here on the farm, we have peonies just poking out of the ground. That puts us in stage two of the peony growth cycle. Of course there are still plenty of varieties that haven’t shown up yet and are still in stage one.
There are seven stages all together that take us through the season from development underground to the big and beautiful blooms.
Stage 1: Shoot Development
As the soil warms and the frost line disappears, shoots develop underground and begin to grow.
Stage 2: Shoot Emergence
The warm spring sun encourages shoots to emerge from the soil and we get to see the first signs of peony season.
Stage 3: Leaf Opening
The first signs of leaves appear from the growing shoots.
Stage 4: Leaf Extension
Leaves continue to grow and eventually take on their final size, qualities and characteristics.
Stage 5: Bloom Bud Expansion
Bud appear, tiny at first but begin to swell and grow, some to the size of a golf ball!
Stage 6: Bud Coloring
Plants begin to show hints of the flower to come with petals appearing as the sepals that cover the bud separate and reveal the color below.
Stage 7: Flower Opening
Blooms open and we get to enjoy the beautiful flowers we have waited all winter to see. Flowers take on the size, qualities and characteristics specific to the variety.
While of course the ultimate goal of peonies is the flowers, I can’t help but love the bud coloring stage the best. The anticipation! Which stage do you love the most?
