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bare root peonies - when to plant?

9 years ago

Well, its that time of year in the northeast when I get desperate. I got some of those bare root "body bag" peonies. They actually look half-way decent, and I'm thinking if I could get them planted, they might make it. Right now, the ground is frozen and under ice, but my question is - when the snow melts, if the ground isn't frozen, is it safe to plant? For example, in early March? Or, alternatively, would it be a good idea to pot them up now and stick them under my grow lights, then plant them outside in April? I'm in central NJ, zone 6.

Thanks in advance!

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Comment (1)

graycrna4u
9 years ago
The ground should not be frozen and the risk for a hard freeze should be over. Be patient and wait until later in the spring. The bags should have air holes in them. Leave the roots in a cool dry place, such as a garage until the spring. At worst, pot them and leave them in the garage or cellar and then replant in the spring.
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