Cultural Directions for Franklin Peonies 
The peony is extremely hardy and will thrive in any soil which will grow 
good garden vegetables. Open sunlight is preferred although they will do very 
well in partial shade. The location should be well drained so that water does 
not stand over the plant. The plants we send you are carefully pruned and 
ready to plant. Be sure to remove name tags from plants before planting. 
Preparing the Soil. Spade up the soil to a depth of about 12 inches in an 
area at least 2 feet square for each plant. Break up all the lumps and clods 
leaving it in a fine pulverized condition. Pack down firmly and rake level. 
Now mark a cross for the plant location and dig a hole for the plant large 
enough so when the plant is placed in it the buds will be about two inches 
(2 in.) below the surface when the hole is filled. “This depth can be determined 
by laying the rake or straight stick across the hole. It will also facilitate 
planting if the hole is dug a little to one side of the center and the plant placed 
against the slanting side of the hole. Now that the plant is located as to 
position and depth enough soil to cover the plant can be worked between the 
roots and pressed around it with the hands, then the hole filled and firmed. 
If the ground is very dry it is well to pour in water and allow to soak in before 
filling the hole. The ground should be slightly crowned over the plant for 
the winter and a covering of straw, marsh hay, or similar coarse material placed 
over the plants AFTER the ground freezes to a depth of several inches. If 
the soil is not in a fertile condition it should be prepared somewhat in advance 
of planting by spading in rotted manure or a mixture of compost or peet with 
bonemeal or bone meal and sheep manure. 
Cultivation. As soon as the new shoots are through the ground in the 
spring the soil about the plants should be forked over to a depth of 3 or 4 
inches to loosen up the top soil. Frequent and thorough cultivation should be 
continued throughout the season, and especially after each rain to keep down 
weed growth and to maintain a dust-mulch over the roots. Proper cultivation 
is the most important requisite in growing fine flowers. 
How to Water. In dry weather prior to the blooming season watering the 
plants is very beneficial. Water is best supplied by removing the nozzle of the 
hose and allowing the water to run slowly about the base of the plants until 
the ground is thoroughly soaked to a depth of at least one and one-half feet 
each week or ten days. Mere sprinkling of the top soil at frequent intervals 
does more harm than good. After each watering cultivate to maintain the 
dust-mulch and hold the moisture. 
Fertilizing. Peonies planted in prepared soil need no further fertilization 
for several years. While they are gross feeders they are very suscepti- 
ble to “‘indigestion’’ and they will not stand force-feeding. Endeavor to keep 
peony soil in good average fertility but do not over fertilize. After the plants 
have grown 2 or 3 years in one place they are benefited by careful feeding. The 
best results will be obtained by forking under a light top-dressing of bonemeal 
about the plants each fall in September or October. 
Cutting Flowers. In cutting your peony blooms remember that the foliage 
is the lungs of the plants. Do not cut long stemmed flowers until the 
plants are at least three (3) years old and then leave at least two leaves on each 
stem for the support of the root. It is best to leave at least half of the stalks 
bloom on the plant. 
After the Flowering Season. After the flowers have fallen, promptly 
prune all the bloom stalks back to the foliage and shape up the plants. With 
their heavy green foliage they will remain attractive throughout the summer 
and until the frosts cut them down in the fall. 
FRANKLIN NURSERY 
Minneapolis 17, Minnesota 
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Cae moll 
