What is the correct method for planting peonies?
A comprehensive introduction to the correct method for planting peonies and precautions for growing peonies in the field of green plants and flowers, with specific details as follows:
Peonies are perennial herbaceous plants of the genus Paeonia in the family Ranunculaceae. Peonies are known as the "Flower Fairy" and "Flower Prime Minister" and are listed as one of the "Top Ten Famous Flowers," also known as the "May Flower God." The blooming period of peonies is later than that of牡丹 (peonies), blooming in early May. Peonies are herbaceous plants, while peonies are woody plants. They are divided into two major categories based on their use: medicinal and ornamental.
1. Propagation Methods
Traditional propagation methods for peonies include division, sowing, cutting, and layering. The division method is the most commonly used propagation method for peonies.
Division Propagation Method: From early August to late September, carefully dig up the fleshy roots, minimizing root damage. After digging, remove the old soil, cut off the old and decayed parts, and split along the natural crevices with your hands or a sharp knife. Generally, each plant can be divided into 3-5 daughter plants, each with 3-5 or 2-3 buds; with a spacing of 60 cm between rows and 40 cm between plants, first loosen the bottom soil, apply decomposed manure, and mix it with the bottom soil evenly to a thickness of about 5-7 cm. Plant 1-2 peony buds in each hole, with the bud tip facing up and placed in the center, cover with soil to secure the peony roots. The planting depth should be such that the bud tip is 3-5 cm below the surface, then cover with soil and water with a dilute solution of animal manure.
Seed Propagation Method: In the first and middle ten days of August, when peony seeds are mature, collect the seeds from healthy plants and plant them immediately without drying them, as they will not germinate otherwise. Make furrows 30 cm apart on the prepared ridges, 3 cm deep, evenly spread the seeds in the furrows, and cover with 6-10 cm of soil. The sowing rate is 3.5-4 kg per mu. In early April of the following year, remove the covering soil, and seedlings will emerge in about half a month. Seedlings should be grown for 2-3 years before transplanting.
2. Planting
When planting peonies outdoors, choose a sunny and wind-protected location with deep and fertile soil. Do not plant in saline-alkaline or clay soil. A small amount of decomposed base fertilizer should be placed at the bottom of the planting hole. The planting distance is 60-100 cm, and the planting should not be too deep, generally with the peony bud about 2 cm from the surface. Deep planting makes it difficult to grow. After planting, water thoroughly for the first time, and after planting, heap soil about 20 cm high to prevent frost damage.
3. Management
In mid-March, remove the heaped soil and water and till the soil to raise the ground temperature and promote root activity and germination. After germination, apply the first fertilizer. In March, combine tillage and weeding with the application of 1200-1500 kg of animal manure per mu. The second and third applications are made before and after flowering, with 2000 kg of animal manure per mu. Water again with clear water and till the soil promptly. During the rainy season, pay attention to weeding and drainage. To ensure that the main flower bud is large and vibrant, remove the side buds in time. After the flowers fade, it is best to cut off the branches to avoid nutrient consumption. Before winter, clear away the withered branches and leaves.
The above information (()) introduces the correct method for planting peonies and the precautions for growing peonies, hoping it is helpful to you!