When to Plant Peonies in New Hampshire
Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora) are the crown jewels of the spring garden — magnificent, fragrant blooms in white, pink, and red that can last 100 years or more in the same spot with minimal care. Extremely cold-hardy and requiring a period of winter chill to bloom, they are most productive in Zones 3–7. Each established clump produces dozens of lush, fully double or semi-double flowers over a 2–3 week window in late spring. Virtually pest-free beyond the cosmetic presence of ants on buds (which are harmless). Once sited correctly, peonies rarely need dividing or moving.
New Hampshire spans USDA hardiness zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.
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Click your county for exact Peonies planting dates based on your local frost dates.
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Peonies Planting Calendar for New Hampshire
▸ Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Bloom | July 24 | Jul 24 – Aug 28 |
▸ Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Bloom | July 18 | Jul 18 – Aug 29 |
▸ Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Bloom | July 11 | Jul 11 – Aug 22 |
▸ Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →
Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Bloom | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 24 |
Growing Tips for New Hampshire
Plant bare-root divisions in fall (late September through October in Zones 3–7; November in Zone 8) with eyes facing upward and positioned exactly 1–2 inches below soil surface — deeper planting is the most common reason peonies fail to bloom. Choose a site with full sun and excellent drainage. Peonies require 6+ weeks of temperatures below 40°F (cold stratification period) for reliable bloom — they do not perform well in Zone 9+. Do not expect full bloom the first or second year; Year 3+ plants deliver the most impressive flowering. Avoid moving established plants. Stake double- flowered types before heavy blooms cause stems to flop. Cut stems to ground in fall after frost kills foliage to prevent botrytis overwinter.
Peonies in Other States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Peonies in New Hampshire?
Planting dates for Peonies in New Hampshire depend on your USDA zone. New Hampshire spans zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.
What zone is New Hampshire for planting?
New Hampshire contains USDA hardiness zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.