I always pot up those mini roots the first year. There is not enough root system for them to fend for themselves with the competition in the garden. Al

Thank you Al

So the fact that some of the root sections do not have eyes might still allow a plant to develop?

John

It depends on the variety. I've had Attar of Roses spring up from a chunk of root no bigger than an inch square and no eyes whatsoever, on the other hand Festiva maxima roots will stay plump and healthy looking for years but not grow at all if there are no eyes. I'd pot them all and see what happens.

Next time you buy Peonies from BBS, try to at least visually inspect the packages before you buy. I always dig through and find the heaviest package with healthy eyes that haven't grown too much. If they are in boxes that aren't taped close I will open packages (and carefully reclose them) looking for the best bargain.

Jeanne

Hey thanks Jeanne :)

They come in boxes that can be opened but they are then divided into to bags, 1 for each type. The bags are very dark green and not see through if memory serves me right.

I will pot them up this weekend on your's and Al's advice. Any special requirements for them? Regular potting soil and fertilizer applications once they start growing?

John

Even if no eyes are to be seen, they could sprout adventitious eyes, so always plant them and hope for the best. Your potting soil is only needed for the one season so any reasonably good commercial soil will be good. Don't go overboard on fertilizer, just a normal 9-3-6 diluted as directed will be fine, applied after foliage growth is noted. Al

Just an update - I dug up and potted the 4 most promising peonies yesterday. All had eyes shooting up and 2 of them had multiple eyes. I also found 2 sections of root with no eyes but still very white so I potted those up, too.

Thanks for the kick in the pants to make me do it! I fear they would have been toast otherwise because they have not sprouted ANY roots since they were planted.

John