Growing Peonies: A Guide from Southern Chile

Peonies are among the most popular flowers in the world, known for their resilience, beauty, and profitability. They thrive in temperate to cold climates, even in freezing conditions, making them an excellent crop for regions like southern Chile. Our peony fields at Fundo Las Tres Marías, are located just north of Osorno (Latitude 40°S, Longitude 72°W).  

 

Our Peony Field

Our farm, Fundo Tres Marías, is named after my three daughters, all named María. The land has been in our family for some years, initially dedicated to crops like potatoes, garlic, maqui berries, and rapeseed. More recently, we introduced peonies, a crop that has quickly become one of our most exciting ventures.  

We currently cultivate two main peony fields: one planted in 2019 with 300 of plants, and a second field established in 2020 - 2021 with 3.25 hectares. This December, we’ll be adding a third plantation of one more hectare.  

 

Why Are Peonies So Special?

Peonies originate from the Qin Ling mountains in China, where they are revered as the “Queen of Flowers” (Mudán), symbolizing wealth and honor. Their roots have antioxidant properties, making them valuable in skincare. The Chinese love for peonies led to their cultivation spreading across Europe and eventually worldwide.  

Despite their popularity, peonies remain a rare and competitive flower in the global market. They bloom only for a short season, and their availability is restricted to opposite hemispheres. This limited availability makes peonies highly sought after.  

Their desirability also comes from their unique qualities:  
- Large, showy blooms  
- Long, sturdy stems  
- Fragrant scent  
- Perennial root longevity  
- A wide variety of colors  

Peonies are not only beloved by flower farmers but are also a top choice for brides around the world!

At Fundo Tres Marías, we focus on cultivating herbaceous peonies, growing early, mid, and late-blooming varieties to extend the harvest window.  

 

How to Grow Peonies

Peonies thrive in cold climates. They require a period of winter dormancy with at least 500 to 1.000 hours of chilling temperatures (0–4°C) to develop strong blooms.   

Key Growing Conditions 
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Peonies do not tolerate waterlogged soil.  
- Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.  
- Wind & Rain: Peonies need protection from strong winds, especially during the blooming season. Good air circulation helps prevent disease.  
- Watering: The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged. Deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering.  

The Peony Growth Cycle  
Unlike annual flowers, peonies are long-term investments that require patience. Once planted, they become more productive with each passing year.  

First years: The focus is on root development rather than flower production. Buds that form are removed (a process called debudding) to encourage stronger roots. By the second year, we can harvest, leaving a few blooms to feed the root system.  

Year 3 & Beyond: Peony plants reach maturity and can yield a full harvest. At this stage, they are strong enough to sustain a steady production of high-quality blooms.  

How We Prepare the Soil
Before planting, we test and amend the soil to ensure it has the right balance of nutrients.

Key elements include:  
- Phosphorus for strong root development  
- Potassium for sturdy stems  
- Magnesium for lush green foliage  
- Calcium for cell structure and strength  
- Silicon for resilience  
- Boron to enhance flower production  

Weed Control & Mulching 
Weed management is crucial for healthy peonies, we take it out by hand. We’ve experimented with weed barrier fabric (anti-weed mesh) for paths, and we’ve significantly reduced weeding labor while maintaining healthy soil.  

Harvesting & Post-Harvest Care
- Peonies are harvested in bud stage, when buds are firm but and showing color.  
- Flowers are washed, sorted, hydrated, and packed in bundles of 100 stems for market or export.  
- They are stored at 4°C to maintain freshness.

Peonies are slow to establish but incredibly rewarding once mature. With the right care and patience, they will continue to bloom beautifully for decades, making them a timeless favorite in gardens and floral arrangements worldwide.