How Much Does a Peony Seedling Cost? Detailed Guide to Planting Time and Methods

Peony is not only a highly popular flowering plant but also a common traditional Chinese medicinal herb, so in the process of cultivation it can often generate economic income twice a year, which has also made peony one of the planting projects favored by many rural entrepreneurs. So how much does a peony seedling cost per plant? What are the planting time and methods?

1. How much does a peony seedling cost?

Peony seedlings are not expensive. Each peony seedling about 40 cm tall costs roughly 0.2-0.5 yuan. If you buy in larger quantities, you can negotiate with the nursery owner and the price may be even more favorable.

As for the purchase quantity, you can refer to 2500-3000 seedlings per mu.

In addition, when buying peony seedlings, note that it is best to buy seedlings that have already been cultivated for 3 years, as their resistance and stability are stronger when planted.

2. When is the planting time for peony seedlings?

At present, peony can be grown either by sowing seeds or by buying direct-seeded seedlings, or even by planting peony roots directly.

1. Planting time for peony seedlings

It should be carried out in August-September each year, and around the Autumn Equinox is the most suitable time for planting peony seedlings.

This is mainly because, judging from the growth habits of peony, the temperature is relatively high at this time, which is favorable for sprouting new roots and beneficial for the subsequent growth of the peony.

2. Sowing and planting time for peony

If you choose to grow by sowing, the best sowing time is May-June each year. With careful care, seedlings can basically emerge by this time the following year, but the seedlings cannot be transplanted immediately after emerging. Instead, they should continue to be cultivated for 1 more year, and by August-September of the 3rd year after sowing, the seedlings can be transplanted for planting.

3. Planting time for peony roots

As for the planting time for peony roots, autumn each year (around September) is suitable. Planting at this time can minimize the risk of damage to the peony roots and is very helpful for the production of new roots and new buds.

It can be seen that when planting peony, you still cannot choose to plant in spring as you would with other flowers. As the saying goes, “plant peony at the Spring Equinox, and it will never bloom even when old.” When cultivating peony in spring, the nutrients stored in the roots are not enough, which can easily cause “congenital deficiency.”

3. What are the planting methods for peony seedlings?

1. Selection of plot and soil

For the plot where peony is planted, the soil must be fertile and relatively well-drained and breathable, so loam soil is preferable.

Before planting, the plot should be prepared by plowing and making beds, and base fertilizer should be applied well; decomposed farmyard manure is sufficient.

2. Planting peony seedlings

After buying the peony seedlings, plant them immediately while the root system is still relatively moist, planting them upright with the buds facing upward. The planting depth should not be too shallow or too deep. If too shallow, they are prone to freezing; if too deep, they do not sprout easily. It is best to cover 3-4 cm above the buds.

3. Management after planting peony seedlings

(1) Watering: since planting peony seedlings already takes place in autumn, the soil will not be particularly dry, so it is not suitable to water too much, especially in winter, when water accumulation must be avoided. Generally, the soil should be just slightly moist and mostly on the dry side.

(2) Fertilizing: peony is a plant that relatively likes fertilizer. In addition to base fertilizer, after planting peony seedlings, some water-soluble fertilizer needs to be applied when new leaves grow, once every half month. From the 2nd year onward, apply topdressing 3 times each year.

(3) Light: before new roots and leaves grow, it is recommended to create a shaded environment with visible scattered light for the peony seedlings. After leaves grow, they should be given sufficient sunlight.

Warm reminder: after peony blooms, appropriate pruning can be carried out, which can promote the growth of peony while preventing pests and diseases.