Asexual Propagation of Peony in Autumn
This article provides an introduction to the propagation of peonies for netizens, focusing on the division method of asexual propagation in autumn. It is a great piece of knowledge worth collecting!
Peony is a famous woody ornamental plant in China, ranking first among the top ten famous flowers in the country. For thousands of years, it has been associated with the beautiful symbolism of "wealth and auspiciousness, prosperity and thriving." The propagation and cultivation of peonies can be done through methods such as seeding, division, and grafting, among which the division method is the simplest and most feasible. Practice has proven that to make peonies flourish and bloom every year, one must master the key techniques of division cultivation.
Timing for Division Cultivation
Peonies are shrubs that grow in clusters and are very suitable for division. However, division should not be done too early or too late. If division is done too early (before mid-September), the high temperature may cause the terminal buds to germinate and consume nutrients, affecting the growth and flowering of the following year. If division is done in spring, as the weather warms up, peonies germinate rapidly, requiring a lot of water and nutrients. However, after division, the roots are not yet healed, leading to insufficient water and fertilizer supply, not only resulting in no flowering in the current year but also causing weak growth and affecting flowering in the following year. If division is too late (after the beginning of winter), the low temperature makes it difficult for the root wounds to heal, and no new roots can germinate in the same year. In the spring of the following year, when the plant needs a lot of water and nutrients for germination and flowering, the roots have not yet developed or have few roots, which can easily lead to plant wilt and death due to insufficient water and fertilizer. Practice has shown that the best time for peony division is from late September to mid-October. During this period, the root wounds of the divided peonies heal easily and can quickly grow some new roots, which is very beneficial for flowering and rejuvenation in the following year.
Techniques for Division Cultivation
When dividing, select robust four to five-year-old plants as the mother plants. Dig the entire plant out of the soil, keeping the roots as intact as possible. Any broken, shattered, or blackened roots should be cut off with a sharp剪. After digging, gently shake off the soil from the roots and place the peony seedlings in a shady place to dry for two to three days. After the roots have slightly softened, choose a part of the plant that is easy to divide, and either pull it apart by hand or cut it with a sharp knife into several clusters. Each cluster should have three to four branches and two to three roots, and the wounds should be coated with charcoal powder to prevent decay before planting.
Whether planting in the ground or in a pot, choose well-draining and fertile sandy loam soil. You can use decomposed leaf soil, garden soil, and fine river sand, mixed and disinfected before use. Place the divided and pruned plants in the hole or pot and add the prepared growing soil evenly. When the soil is added to one-third of the depth of the hole or pot, gently lift the plant two to three centimeters to allow the roots to stretch out freely and let the growing soil渗透 into the root area and make close contact with the soil. The planting depth should be the same as the original depth of the plant, with the root collar just above the soil surface. It should not be too deep or too shallow. Planting too deep may cause poor growth, yellow leaves, and root rot. Planting too shallow may expose the root collar, affecting root development and germination and not being resistant to drought and severe cold. Water the planted peonies promptly to ensure that the roots are thoroughly moistened and in full contact with the growing soil.
In cold northern regions during winter, attention should be paid to the protection of peonies planted in the open field. Measures such as covering the root collar with soil or wrapping it with straw can be taken to keep warm. New peonies should not be fertilized immediately after planting. Fertilization should only be done after the plants have gradually recovered, as otherwise, it may easily lead to the withering and death of peonies due to fertilizer damage.
Do you understand the detailed introduction to the division propagation of peonies in autumn shared above?