I just dug up a huge 10 year old peony that gets at least 6' tall and is too tall to stake. Last year I rigged up something really tall and strong, but it was too big to conceal and looked really stupid. I decided that this spring I was going to ditch it and replace it with a single or a semi-double. So I just dug it up but now I can't seem to throw it away. I divided it into too small sections (I got carried away). Most of the divisions have 2-3 eyes. I figur I can donate it to a plant sale or give to a friend or family member. If I pot them up now, will they root quickly so they can be easily transplanted later in the season? Or do I dry them and store them and give them as tubers in the fall? Most of the eyes are about 1 - 1 1/2" and have not opened up at all. Because I made my divisions so small, can I combine 3 in a pot? I probably should have researched this a bit before I ripped them up. I don't know if I did it right. I might have ripped out tubers that had immature eyes that I couldn't see.

btw...can somebody please tell me how to put a picture in with my message? Sure. First you will need to open a Photobucket (Free) account. Secondly, upload your pic there. then.... 1...just type your message,...or in this case a reply to this post, changing the Subject of Posting line by one character. 2...open Photobucket in another tab 3...find the pic you want to post in the message, 4...click on HTML code found in the third box below the pic. It will say copied in yellow, 5...go back and paste the HTML in your message box, 6...hit preview, You will then see your message, and the actual pic, and 7... lastly hit submit. Stop on over to the Test Forum Gallery. We have ongoing pic posting lessons there continuously. You can add to this thread, or start your own. There are regulars there that can/will readily help you. Stunning pic Caroline. Thanks for sharing! Sue

Early spring, or Fall. I've always divided in Fall before the first freeze, although this year that may be hard to predict. If you miss getting it done this fall, you can do it early spring. Have you ever divided them before? If not, make sure to leave the eyes above dirt level a little bit. Emma

I would say it depends - if the soil is not frozen ( similar to fall soil ) or wet and you do not expect any sudden fluctuation of temperature until spring - you may go for it. It still may not be best for peonies, but if you do not want to wait until fall to divide them - why not? I transplanted peonies in early spring and they were fine and blooming same year. If you divide them into small parts though, then do not expect them to perform for 1 or 2 years.