When is the best time to plant peonies?
This article provides a detailed explanation of the best time to plant peonies and related topics such as the planting methods and timing for peony seeds, with the following specific content:
Peonies are known as one of the "Top Ten Famous Flowers" and are also called "Flower Fairy." Their blooming season is in May, earning them the title of "May Flower God." They are another beautiful flower following the peony, and some friends may not be able to distinguish between peonies and牡丹 (tree peonies). Peony plants are relatively shorter than tree peonies, with a height of about one meter, while tree peonies can reach about two meters. Peonies bloom around mid-to-late April, and it takes about two weeks for peony flowers to bloom after tree peonies. In ancient China, there was a special affection for peonies, which was reflected in poetry and painting. Zhang Daqian's famous painting "Peony" is very valuable today. Poets such as Bai Juyi and Liu Zongyuan praised peonies in their poems during the Tang Dynasty. Peonies are also one of the traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and are commonly cultivated in provinces such as Shandong, Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu. They are not only ornamental plants but also have medicinal value, making them deeply loved by people. Peonies are perennial plants that can be propagated through division or seed sowing.
1. The timing of division should be accurate, generally carried out in autumn. Select 3 to 5-year-old peony plants as the parent plants for propagation. Freshly dug peony plants have too much moisture and should not be cut immediately, as excessive fluid loss can slightly affect the survival rate. It's best to let the newly dug plants sit for about 40 hours to allow nutrients to return to the roots before cutting. Each division should have 1 to 2 buds, or 3 buds for the best results. Due to new wounds during division, there is a risk of root rot infection. It is common to apply fresh wood ash to the wounds and use a 0.1% potassium permanganate solution or 300 times the concentration of thiophanate-methyl to disinfect the cutting tools. Planting density varies according to the purpose of the peony. For medicinal peony cultivation, the planting density can be with a row spacing of about 35 centimeters and a plant spacing of about 25 centimeters. For ornamental peony flowers, the planting density should be slightly lower, with a row spacing of about 50 centimeters and a plant spacing of about 30 centimeters. Generally, it is sufficient to have 3,300 to 4,200 plants per mu. Division propagation should not be carried out in spring, summer, or winter, as peonies propagated in these seasons cannot guarantee an ideal survival rate.
2. Peonies can be sown in autumn. Seed propagation is a rapid method for breeding peonies. Peony seeds are different from other crop seeds and require low-temperature treatment to improve germination rates. Collect new seeds in the autumn and soak them in 40-degree warm water for 24 hours. Sow the seeds from the end of August to the end of September. With natural low temperatures in winter, the seeds can germinate and grow in the second year.
3. Disease and pest control. Peony brown spot, also known as red spot disease, is a very common and important disease affecting peonies. It can be treated by spraying 1000 times the concentration of thiophanate-methyl plus brassinolide on the leaves at the beginning of the disease or by spraying with a 600 times concentration of metalaxyl. Peonies are also susceptible to rust, powdery mildew, and black spot diseases, which can be controlled with tebuconazole, myclobutanil, propiconazole, and difenoconazole.
4. Topdressing and cultivation. After planting peonies for one year, they need to be harvested after more than three years. To ensure good growth, fertilization is essential, with well-rotted farm manure being the best choice. Peonies prefer farm manure and dislike waterlogging. When planting, prepare ridges and furrows in advance, and apply topdressing 2 to 3 times a year. Regularly cultivate the soil, remove weeds, and apply soil to the base. Before winter, leave 8 centimeters of the plant above the ground, cut off the upper leaves, and clean the field without damaging the roots of the peony.
The above information covers the best time to plant peonies and the planting methods and timing for peony seeds. I hope it can help you and also encourage everyone to visit more green plant and flower experience and knowledge.