When is the best time to transplant peonies?

[badgerpup]

And the best way to make sure they 'take' to their new homes?
They went into their current locale as a four-inch rootstock and have been there for about 4 years now, but need to be removed to make way for something else.
I know they get huffy for a year or so, but that's not a problem; I just want them surviving.

[Blue Gardener]

1. September

Here is some good information from the Iowa State Extension Service. Iowa is Zones 4 and 5, so this should work well for you as well. You can also call your county extension office or master gardener program in your area.

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/newsrel/2003/aug03/aug0314.html

[badgerpup]

2. Thank you!

:hi:
was starting to feel invisible...
:nopity:

[TygrBright]

3. Herbaceous peonies or tree peonies? n/t

[barb162]

4. I've always transplanted them in the fall.

The other thing I find that's good for them to bloom next season is to try to keep the huge giant root ball in one piece with all the dirt around it.