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Shirley Temple

Family: Paeoniaceae Perennial flowering plant
Zone 6b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Shirley Temple to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.

A cloud of blush and rose—Shirley Temple Garden Peony blooms with a luminous, tightly layered pompon that seems to glow against deep, steady foliage.

Each flower unfolds in dense, petal-rich spirals, offering a velvety texture and a softly sweet, romantic presence in the garden. Grow Shirley Temple for show-stopping, long-lasting garden color year after year, where its sculptural blooms become the season’s most cherished focal point.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 365 DaysHabit: Perennial_Crown

Botanical illustration of Shirley Temple

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Growing note: Zone 6b has only 174 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 365-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
MilestoneDate
Last FrostApr 25th
Growing ApproachProtected Environment Only

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity365
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitPerennial_Crown
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)28
Harden Off (days)7

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease issue for Paeonia lactiflora (Shirley Temple) and how do I treat it?
A frequent problem is gray mold (Botrytis blight), which shows up as brown, gray fuzzy growth on stems, buds, or leaves—often after cool, wet weather. Remove and discard affected plant parts as soon as you spot them, then improve airflow by spacing plants and keeping foliage dry. If it keeps spreading, use a labeled fungicide for peonies and begin treatments early at the first signs or after prolonged damp periods.
How often should I water Shirley Temple peonies during their main growing phase?
During active growth, water deeply about 1–2 times per week so the soil is evenly moist 6–8 inches down, not just wet on the surface. In hot, dry spells, increase to maintain that deep moisture; in cool, rainy periods, reduce watering to avoid soggy soil. Aim for consistent moisture—letting the root zone swing between bone-dry and waterlogged increases disease risk.
How can I tell when Shirley Temple peonies are ready to harvest?
Shirley Temple is ready to harvest when the buds are fully colored and the outer petals are starting to loosen, but the flower hasn’t fully opened yet for best vase life. If the petals are still tightly wrapped and not showing their final color, wait; if they look fully open and softening, you’ll get a shorter display period. Cut stems early in the morning and leave enough foliage on the plant to support next year’s buds.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Shirley Temple in Zone 6b typically begins around Indoor Lights Only. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting Shirley Temple.

Garden Alerts

Zone 6b has only 174 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 365-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Shirley Temple in Zone 6b typically begins around Indoor Lights Only. Wait until soil reaches at least 45°F before transplanting Shirley Temple.

Garden Alerts

Zone 6b has only 174 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 365-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Plant peonies where they’ll get full sun and good drainage, because once established they hate being moved; mulch lightly and keep the crown at the right depth.