How to Plant Peony Flowers
Peony flowers are renowned as the "king of flowers," with their luxurious and elegant posture highly favored by gardening enthusiasts. Mastering scientific planting methods can not only improve survival rates but also allow peonies to bloom more beautifully. This article will provide a comprehensive analysis of peony cultivation, from practical planting to market trends.
Complete Guide to Planting Peonies
1. Scientific Soil Mixture
Peony roots prefer loose, well-draining, slightly alkaline soil (pH 7.0-7.5). It is recommended to use a mixture of garden soil, decomposed leaf mold, and coarse sand in a ratio of 5:3:2, adding 500 grams of bone meal per cubic meter to enhance fertility. For potting, use a purple砂 pot with a diameter of over 30 cm and a 5 cm layer of陶粒 at the bottom for drainage.
2. Selection of High-Quality Seedlings
Choose 3-4 year-old grafted seedlings, with at least 5 fleshy main roots, each 15-20 cm long. Soak the seedlings in a 800x solution of carbendazim for 30 minutes before planting, retaining 3-5 full buds at the top, and removing weak branches and yellowed leaves.
3. Seasonal Planting Tips
In the north, planting is best done in September-October, while in the south, it should be postponed to October-November. The planting depth should be 2-3 cm below the soil surface at the junction of the rootstock and the stem. Use the 'three-burials, two-tamps, one-lift' technique: layer the soil three times, tamping it down twice in between, and finally gently lift the seedling to straighten the roots.
4. Annual Maintenance and Management
In spring, apply decomposed cake fertilizer (1:50) during the germination period and phosphorus-potassium fertilizer before flowering. In summer, maintain a 60% shade rate and use drip irrigation for watering. In autumn, prune to retain 3-5 main branches. In winter, apply 15 cm of soil to protect against cold, and for plants over three years old, perform flat-stubbing for rejuvenation.
Peony Seedling Market Price System
1. Variety Grading Standards
Common varieties (Luoyang Red, Hu Hong) 2-3 year-old seedlings are priced at 15-35 yuan; precious varieties (Yao Huang, Wei Zi) grafted seedlings are 80-150 yuan; Japanese imported varieties (Shima Nishiki, Flower King) can reach 200-500 yuan. Over five years old, shaped potted seedlings are generally priced above 800 yuan.
2. Comparison of Procurement Channels
Traditional flower markets have a markup rate of 40%-60%, while purchasing directly from professional peony bases can save 30% of costs. On e-commerce platforms, pay attention to checking the age label of the seedlings, request the seller to provide a close-up video of the roots, and prioritize sellers that ship with soil balls.
By mastering scientific planting techniques and reasonable seedling purchase strategies, even ordinary enthusiasts can create a stunning peony garden. It is recommended for beginners to start with more resistant central varieties and try rare varieties after gaining experience. Regularly attending gardening lectures and joining peony enthusiast communities can continuously improve cultivation skills.