How to Plant Peonies and Points to Note

Plant peony seedlings in a flower pot, using loose, deep, fertile, well-drained neutral sandy loam soil as the ideal medium. After planting, water thoroughly once, then water as needed during the growing season; water must not accumulate in the pot. After one year of planting, fertilization can be done in autumn, mainly with decomposed organic fertilizer; in spring and summer, chemical fertilizers are mostly used, applied along with watering as pre-bloom and post-bloom fertilizer.

1. Soil: loose, deep, fertile, well-drained neutral sandy loam soil; acidic or heavy clay soil will cause poor plant growth.

2. Planting: Plant the peony seedlings in a flower pot, spreading the roots out, fill the soil to about halfway up the pot, lift and shake the seedling gently, then firm the soil; the depth should be such that the root crown is slightly below the pot rim or ground level.

3. Water and fertilizer: After planting, water thoroughly once, then water as needed during the growing season; water must not accumulate in the pot. After one year of planting, fertilization can be done in autumn, mainly with decomposed organic fertilizer; in spring and summer, chemical fertilizers are mostly used, applied along with watering as pre-bloom and post-bloom fertilizer.

4. Pruning: After sprouting in spring, keep about 5 branches and remove the rest; in autumn and winter, cut off dried flower stalks, thin weak branches and non-flowering branches.

5. Repotting: After three or four years of growth, peonies need to be repotted in autumn into a larger pot with fresh fertilized soil, or divided and replanted separately.