How to raise peony flowers in spring
As a classic representative of national beauty and fragrance, spring maintenance of peony flowers is directly related to the growth and flowering quality of the whole year. After a cold winter break, peonies require precise maintenance strategies during the germination period. This article will systematically explain the five core points of peony cultivation in spring, from pruning and shaping to water and fertilizer management, and help you cultivate graceful and luxurious peonies in prosperous times. Guidelines for Spring Peony Pruning Implementation Essentials of Double Pruning Method Spring pruning must continue the results of winter pruning. The "Double Pruning Method" is adopted: first, cut off dead branches and rotten leaves that have not been cleared in winter and retain 3-5 main branches; secondly, carry out selective pruning on the new sprouts to remove cross branches, inner branches and weak branches to ensure that 6-8 strong branches are retained for each plant. The incision needs to have a 45-degree slope and be applied with plant ash or special wound healing agent to avoid bacterial infection during the rainy season. Peony nutritional management plan applies slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Composed sheep manure (3kg/㎡) and bone meal (200g/plant) are applied from February to March. The circular ditch method is used, and the ditch is dug 20cm away from the root neck and buried deeply. Fermented soybean cake water (diluted 1:50) irrigates roots every 15 days to promote capillary root development. During the flower bud differentiation period, and during the bud emergence period in mid-April, the foliar spraying of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer (potassium dihydrogen phosphate 0.2% solution) was used, combined with spraying of seaweed fertilizer (10ml/liter), once a week for 3 weeks. Pay attention to operating in the early morning in hot weather to avoid fat damage. Peony light control technology ensures direct light for 6 hours per day from March to April, and adopts the "stepped sunshade method": when the temperature continues to be higher than 25℃, a sunshade net with a shading rate of 40% is protected from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Potted peonies can be set with a rotating tray, which is rotated 90° every 3 days to ensure uniform light reception. The scientific watering management system uses the "knuckle detection method" to control soil moisture: insert the index finger into the second knuckle in the soil, and water is needed when it is dry. It is recommended to use demineralized water with pH 6.5 -7.0 (tap water that is left standing for 48 hours), and pour it thoroughly until the bottom of the basin seeps. In case of continuous rainy weather, a temporary rainproof canopy needs to be built to keep the root zone humidity ≤65%.
Through systematic spring maintenance and management, peony plants will form a strong flower bud structure. Full flower buds can be seen evenly distributed in early May. By then, if water is properly controlled and ventilation is increased, the flowers will be in full bloom. Master these key technologies and let your peony bloom year after year.