Tree peony bud thinning: don't do it wrong, or the peony won't grow big

15. Tree peony bud thinning: don't do it wrong, or the peony won't grow big!

This is the 15th article in the original "Tree Peony Cultivation" column by Lanyao

Because tree peonies bloom very large flowers and require a lot of nutrients, if you want tree peonies to bloom well, bud thinning is an indispensable task.

The growth characteristics of tree peonies are rather special, so the bud thinning method also differs from that of other flowers.

Tree peony bud thinning method

Tree peony bud thinning timing

The timing for tree peony bud thinning should not be too early; try to choose it after the buds show color, which is commonly called the flat-peach stage.

What is the flat-peach stage?

When tree peony buds are small they are all pointed; as they gradually grow, the top of the bud becomes flat and round, as round as the edge of a peach. This period is called the flat-peach stage.

Why choose the flat-peach stage for bud thinning?

The growth of tree peonies is mainly regulated by auxin and some other hormones at the tips of new branches. If the buds are cut off too early, it is equivalent to removing these hormones too early, and then the growth of the tree peony will be inhibited.

Choosing the flat-peach stage for bud thinning is precisely to allow the tree peony to have a longer time to grow.

How to perform bud thinning

Many people only know that tree peonies need bud thinning, but do not know how to thin the buds, so they simply and crudely cut off the entire bud. In fact, this is the wrong approach.

The correct way to thin tree peony buds is to cut off 2/3 of the bud, leaving 1/3 of the bud and the receptacle part, or at least leaving the receptacle part. Never cut off the leaves together with it.

After 2/3 of the bud is cut off, it will slowly wither on its own.

Note:

For purchased tree peony seedlings over 4 years old that are transplanted in the first year, because the root damage is great and the many branches consume a lot of nutrients, all buds should be removed in the first spring after transplanting to encourage the plant to recover and grow strong.

For 2-3 year old tree peony seedlings, in the first spring after transplanting you can also keep just one flower on a strong branch; if grown in a pot, it is best not to let it bloom in the first year.

In addition to spring bud removal and bud thinning, tree peonies also need a simple pruning after flowering, and a larger pruning after winter begins. For the specific pruning methods, please continue to follow Lanyao's update tomorrow.

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