PEONY CULTURE 
Peonies are often times called the king of perennials, rightfully 
so, if started properly. Considering the many years that they are 
capable of producing, the initial investment of a division or young 
plant is very smalle To assure success, permission was obtained from 
Mr. George W. Peyton, Secretary of the American Peony Society, to ree 
print his cultural directions as printed in his booklet, "Peyton's 
Peony Pilgrimage". 
"PLANTING AND CARE OF PEONIES: Plant in good garden soil, not 
sandy, well drained, free from roots of trees and shrubs, with sunshine 
most of the day, at any time from September lst to hard freezing weather. 
They may be planted very early in the spring before growth begins but 
it is not recommended. Space plants at least three feet apart each 
way; four or five is better. Dig holes or beds one or two feet deep. 
Pill half full with best soil obtainable, mixed with about half a pound 
of bone meal or any good garden fertilizer to a plant or about one- 
fourth well rotted manure, none of which should come into contact with 
the roots. Tamp down thoroughly. Fill upper half with best soil cone 
taining no fertilizer. When planting, dig hole big enough to accomo- 
date root. Hold root by stem with eyes about two inches below surface, 
Fill in until eyes just show, firmly tamping the soil, being careful 
not to injure roots or eyes. Pour in a gallon or two of water. Let 
settle. Fill with loose soil and mound up several inches above level. 
Place label. Beds may be covered in winter with some loose mulch if 
desired, but not necessary if mounded up. Cultivate thoroughly but 
shallow every week or two until August lst. Spray with bordeaux or 
similar spray when plants show above ground and once about two weeks 
later. Then, to prevent leaf spot, once or twice after blooming. 
Water very thoroughly when ground gets dry. 
Fertilize in early spring and after blooming with bonemeal, super- 
phosphate or any good garden fertilizer, sparingly. Sheep manure is 
good, Keep away from the crownse 
Mulch permanently with corn cobs, either whole or ground, to less- 
en labor of cultivating and watering. Not necessary. 
Cut off all stems in fall only and burn fallen leaves. 
Always leave at least two sets of leaves when cutting blooms, 
Remove all blooms on first-year plants, either before blooming or 
immediately after, leaving all the leaves." 
From personal experience, find that the best results are obtained 
by planting as soon after September 10th as possible, with the eyes 
about one inch below the natural ground level, mound about six to 
eight inches of dirt when planted, and in early spring, level off the 
dirt mounds with caution in order to avoid injury to the eyes. The 
dirt mulch is used for the first winter to prevent the frost from heav- 
ing the roots out of the ground. From experience, would advise some 
mulch during succeeding winters to prevent the frost from breaking the 
eyes from the crowns by heaving. 
Write for price list on different varieties. 
HERMAN MEYER ~ ROUTE 1, BOX 39-A - HOMEWOOD, ILLINOIS 
