When is the best time to plant peonies?

Question:

When is the best time to plant peonies?

Answer:

Peonies are available as potted and bare-root plants.  Potted peonies are often available at garden centers and can be planted anytime during the growing season.  Bare-root peonies are typically purchased from mail-order nurseries.  Bare-root peonies are planted in late summer/early fall (September in Iowa).  When planting bare-root peonies, position the “eyes” (buds) 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface.