Treat tree peony like this before potting and it will survive 100%, blooming big and beautiful in spring

08. Before potting a tree peony, treat it like this and it will survive 100%, blooming big and beautiful in spring!

This is the 8th article in Lanyao's original "Tree Peony Cultivation" column

Yesterday we talked about improving the soil for planting tree peonies and the formula for mixing potting soil. Today we continue with the pre-potting treatment methods for tree peonies.

Tree peonies are all transplanted bare-root. During transport, the cardboard boxes are fairly stuffy, which easily breeds mold. To ensure tree peonies survive and grow well after transplanting, Lanyao suggests giving them some treatment before potting.

Pre-potting treatment methods for tree peony seedlings

1. Wash the roots with clean water

First observe the condition of the tree peony seedling's root system, and look carefully for any mold spots (mold spots are also normal). If you find mold spots, rinse them off first with clean water until the mold spots are washed away.

Of course, if you find no mold spots, you can also rinse with clean water just to be safe.

2. Root pruning

After rinsing the mold spots off the tree peony roots, the next step is pruning the root system. The root pruning method is directly related to the size of the pot you choose.

Different pots require different pruning methods. The general principle is that the pot must be able to hold the tree peony's roots, because tree peony roots tend to be fairly thick and sturdy.

Root pruning method for planting tree peonies in a small pot:

If the pot you choose is a relatively small, standard-size pot, then you need to prune the tree peony's roots heavily.

Cut off all rotten roots, bad roots, blackened roots, old roots and overly thick roots, keeping only the new roots.

This kind of pruning damages the tree peony's root system quite a lot, so it is still better to use a larger, deeper pot for planting tree peonies.

Root pruning method for planting tree peonies in a large pot:

When planting a tree peony in a large pot, the roots do not need to be pruned so much. Just cut off the rotten and blackened roots and shorten the overly long roots.

This will not cause major damage to the tree peony's root system, and is more beneficial for the tree peony's growth and recovery.

3. Sterilising and disinfection

After root pruning, you should carry out sterilising and disinfection. If you do not disinfect, first put the plant in a cool place to let the pruning wounds dry. Do not plant directly after root pruning, as the wounds easily become infected.

Lanyao suggests that after pruning the tree peony's roots, you also give the tree peony a sterilising and disinfection treatment at the same time.

Prepare a solution of thiophanate-methyl and rooting powder at a concentration of 1‰, immerse all of the tree peony's roots in the solution, and soak for 1-2 hours. This both disinfects the tree peony's root system and supplements auxin, promoting new root growth after the tree peony is planted.

4. Dry the wounds

After soaking in the fungicide, take the tree peony to a cool, ventilated place to dry before planting. Do not plant it while it is still wet. If you do not dry it, you can coat the tree peony's roots with fine soil mixed with thiophanate-methyl before planting; this provides protection and makes it less likely for the tree peony's root system to be infected by pathogens.

After this treatment, you can pot and plant the tree peony. For the specific potting method, please keep following Lanyao's update tomorrow.

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