Tips for forcing tree peonies to bloom: do these things well and they will flower more vigorously
The tree peony (Latin scientific name: Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) is a plant of the Ranunculaceae family and the genus Paeonia, and is a perennial deciduous small shrub. Its flowers are brilliant in color, jade-like in beauty and pearl-fragrant, elegant and unrestrained, magnificent and splendid, and it has long enjoyed the reputation of “king of flowers.” Among cultivated types, it can be divided into hundreds of varieties mainly according to flower color.” There are many varieties of tree peony and also many colors; yellow, green, flesh red, deep red and silver red are considered superior, with yellow and green especially prized. Tree peony flowers are large and fragrant, so they are also known as “national beauty and heavenly fragrance.” Mastering the techniques for forcing tree peonies to bloom allows you to better create economic benefits from tree peonies, so how should forcing tree peonies to bloom be carried out?
Potting time For forcing bloom in a greenhouse, as long as the method is appropriate and temperature, sunlight and moisture are suitable, they can generally bloom in about 45 days, so the potting time can be set according to the required blooming time.
Early-stage management In spring, tree peonies grow and bloom in the field from low temperature to high temperature, and when forcing bloom in a greenhouse their growth habits should also be followed, controlling the temperature from low to high. In the early stage, the temperature is generally kept at 10°C to 14°C during the day and 6°C to 8°C at night. After 7 days, the daytime temperature can be kept at 14°C to 16°C and the nighttime temperature at 10°C to 12°C. Maintaining such temperatures, about 10 days after potting the flower buds can begin to stir; after 15 days they can form buds. Because indoor relative humidity is high, sprinkling a little water 1 to 2 times a day can meet the plant's water needs.
Mid-stage management After the tree peony forms buds, it enters the normal growth and development stage; the daytime temperature can be raised to 16°C to 18°C and the nighttime temperature to 12°C to 14°C, and after about 20 days it enters the “young bud stage.” During this period the buds are very sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, and because young buds have poor stress resistance, abortion often occurs, so the indoor temperature should be kept relatively stable.
After about 28 days, the plant enters the “leaf-unfolding stage.” The daytime temperature can be raised to 18°C to 20°C and the nighttime temperature to 14°C to 16°C. During this period, in addition to lightly sprinkling water 2 times a day, depending on how wet or dry the pot surface is, water thoroughly once every 2 to 3 days. At the same time, foliar fertilizer can be sprayed appropriately.
After about 35 days, the flower buds enter the “flat bud stage.” The buds' stress resistance increases and they gradually adapt to rises and falls in temperature; keeping the daytime temperature at about 16°C to 22°C is sufficient. To prevent stem rot, foliar fertilization can be combined with spraying a 600- to 800-fold solution of Ruikumai or a 50-fold solution of 10% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder.
Late-stage management After 42 days, the flower buds enter the “opening stage” and can open in 2 to 3 days. At this time, according to the number of flower pots needed and the required blooming time, the plants can be moved out of the greenhouse. At the same time, plants not needed for the moment can be stored in a cold room at 2°C to 4°C, and after 10 to 20 days they can be moved out and still bloom normally.
Light regulation The tree peony is a long-day plant; flower buds form under long-day conditions and bloom under medium to long-day conditions. Therefore, when there are many cloudy days and insufficient light, artificial supplementary light should be provided.