How to grow potted peonies? Cultivation methods and precautions
Peonies are very common in our daily lives. Their flowers are relatively large and brightly colored, with extremely high ornamental value. In recent years, potted peonies have been very popular, and many people like to grow potted peonies at home as decorations. So how should potted peonies be cared for and managed? Let's find out together below!
How to grow potted peonies
1. Light and temperature
Abundant sunlight is relatively beneficial to their growth, but they cannot tolerate harsh summer sun exposure. When the temperature is above 25°C, the plant will enter a dormant state. The suitable temperature for flowering is 17-20°C, but before flowering they must go through low-temperature treatment at 1-10°C for 2-3 months. They can tolerate low temperatures down to -30°C, but in cold northern regions appropriate cold protection measures are needed in winter to avoid frost damage. The hot and humid weather in the south is extremely unfavorable for peony growth, so cultivating peonies in the south requires giving them specific environmental conditions before you can admire the wondrously beautiful peony flowers.
2. Watering and fertilizing
Before planting, water thoroughly twice. Before winter begins, water once to ensure they safely overwinter. After spring begins, water according to whether the soil is dry or moist, but do not water too heavily. Generally, fertilize 3 times a year. The 1st time is pre-flowering fertilizer, applying a quick-acting fertilizer to promote larger and better blooms. The 2nd time is post-flowering fertilizer, applying 1 round of organic liquid fertilizer. The 3rd time is autumn-winter fertilizer, mainly base fertilizer, to promote growth the following spring. In addition, pay attention to cultivating and weeding; if there are no weeds, shallow cultivation to loosen the soil is fine.
3. Shaping and pruning
After the flowers fade, promptly remove the flowers and prune the branches. Cut according to the tree's natural growth habit combined with the tree shape you want. At the same time, apply a callus anti-corrosion membrane to the pruning cuts to protect the wounds and prevent pathogen invasion and infection. If you want the plant to be low and the flower clusters dense, then cut back more heavily to inhibit branch expansion and root sprout development. Generally, it is suitable to retain 5-6 branches per plant.
Potted peony cultivation methods and precautions
1. Soil requirements
The soil requirements for peonies are relatively simple. Generally, well-drained, fertile, loose sandy soil is fine. The soil mix method is: leaf mold, garden soil, fine river sand. Before planting, disinfect with carbendazim or thiophanate-methyl solution before use.
2. Watering method
Whether watering is appropriate is the key to growing peonies. In spring, after moving them outdoors, water once. After thorough watering, loosen the soil, then keep the soil moist.
Water according to the size of the pot soil. For smaller pots, the frequency of watering after moving outdoors should be appropriately increased. During rainy summer weather, promptly pour out accumulated water in the pot to avoid root rot.
3. Fertilizing method
Peonies are fertilizer-loving plants. If you want peony flowers to be large and brightly colored and to avoid the phenomenon of blooming every other year, pay attention to the timing of fertilization. Newly planted peonies must not be fertilized within half a year; start fertilizing after half a year.
Under normal circumstances, fertilize 3 times a year. The first is pre-flowering fertilizer, applied when the soil thaws and the leaves unfold; the second is post-flowering fertilizer, applied within half a month after the flowers fade, which promotes the plant's recovery and flower bud differentiation. The third is winter-entry fertilizer, applied before winter begins to promote spring growth.
4. Precautions
Abundant light is very beneficial to peony growth, but they must not be exposed to long periods of harsh sun. The suitable growth temperature is 25~25°C, and above 25°C the plant goes dormant. During the pre-flowering period, the plant should be ventilated promptly to avoid excessively high temperatures affecting the plant's growth.
How to divide peonies
First, we need to choose a strong peony plant that has grown for more than three years as the mother plant, then dig up this peony with its roots, remove the soil from the roots, and let it dry for about one or two days. In this way, when dividing, damage to the roots can be reduced to a certain extent.
When dividing, cut according to the texture of the peony's roots. If the root system of this peony is very large, it can be divided into more small parts, but if it is small, divide it into fewer parts. The divided parts must have very complete root systems and must retain the tiller buds at the neck. Then mix sulfur and soil, apply it to the wounds of the divisions. After that, the divided parts can be planted in the soil. When planting, be careful to keep the peony roots upright. After planting, firm the soil and water several times so that the soil and roots fully integrate. During the first year's overwintering, do cold protection work.
The flowering period of peonies
Peony flowers grow singly at the tips of branches. The petals number 5, or they are double-petaled, in colors such as rose red, purple, pink to white, and more, in an obovate shape; the tips of the petals have irregular wavy shapes.
There are so many varieties of peonies and so many colors. They are one of China's top ten famous flowers from ancient times to the present. Their flowering period is in May each year. At this time peonies are in full bloom, with national beauty and heavenly fragrance, and the people who travel to admire the flowers can be described as a sea of people.
The above is the peony care tips summarized for everyone. I hope it can be helpful to everyone. Peonies are noble and elegant. Growing a pot at home as a decorative flower, placed in the living room, study, balcony, or office, all look high-end!