How much does a peony seedling cost? How do you grow it in a pot?

The peony is a prized flowering plant. Because of its brilliant colors and stately magnificence, it enjoys the reputation of “king of flowers” and is deeply loved by many people. Many flower lovers may want to grow it, so how much does a peony seedling cost? How do you grow it in a pot?

I. How much does a peony seedling cost?

The market price of peony seedlings varies. Prices change depending on the variety, color and plant form, but in general red peonies are cheaper, around 20 yuan per plant, while those with especially precious varieties cost more, generally around 100-200 yuan per plant. Note that there are currently a great many peony varieties, and many sellers pass off inferior goods as good ones or send plants that do not match the description, so when growing them it is better to buy from a relatively professional nursery.

II. How do you grow peonies in pots?

1. Pot and soil

Peonies are suited to growing in semi-dry, semi-moist, loose, fertile, well-drained sandy soil. Therefore the potting soil for growing peonies is generally a mix of sandy soil and cake fertilizer, or fully rotted manure, garden soil and coarse sand mixed evenly in a 1:1:1 ratio. If the growing soil holds too much water, the fleshy roots rot easily, so during continuous rainy weather drain the water promptly. Peonies cannot tolerate high temperatures; when the weather turns hot in summer, take cooling measures promptly, and it is best to put up a shade shed to shelter them, covering them with straw mats or reed curtains before noon and removing these in the evening. Doing this well can prevent leaf drop. Because peonies have fairly long roots and larger plants, they are suited to being planted in the ground. If you want to grow them in pots, choose a large clay pot with good water permeability, with a depth of more than 30 cm; it is best to use a clay vat 60-70 cm deep.

2. Light and temperature

Abundant sunlight is fairly favorable for their growth, but they cannot tolerate harsh summer sun. At temperatures above 25°C the plant enters a dormant state. The suitable temperature for flowering is 17-20°C, but before flowering it must go through 2-3 months of low-temperature treatment at 1-10°C. It can withstand low temperatures down to -30°C, but in cold northern regions appropriate cold protection measures are needed in winter to avoid frost damage. The hot, humid weather of the south is extremely unfavorable to peony growth, so growing peonies in the south requires giving them specific environmental conditions before you can admire the wondrously beautiful peony flowers.

3. Watering and fertilizing

Before planting, water thoroughly twice; before winter begins, water once to ensure they safely overwinter. After spring begins, water according to how dry or moist the soil is, but do not water too heavily. Generally fertilize 3 times a year: the first is pre-flowering fertilizer, applying a quick-acting fertilizer to promote large, fine blooms; the second is post-flowering fertilizer, applying an organic liquid fertilizer once; the third is autumn-winter fertilizer, mainly a base fertilizer to promote growth the following spring. Also note cultivation and weeding; if there are no weeds, shallow cultivation to loosen the soil is fine.

4. Shaping and pruning

After the flowers fade, remove the flowers and prune the branches promptly. Cut according to the tree's natural growth and form, and at the same time apply a wound-healing antiseptic film to the cuts to protect the wounds and prevent invading infection by pathogens. If you want a low plant with dense flower clusters, cut back harder to suppress branch spread and root-sucker formation. Generally it is suitable to keep 5-6 branches per plant.

5. Flowering period control

Potted peonies can be forced in winter to bloom at Spring Festival. The method is: 60 days before Spring Festival, select strong peony varieties with plump scaly buds and lift them with soil, injuring the roots as little as possible; air-dry them in a cool place for 12-13 days, then pot them and shape and prune them, keeping 10 branches per plant with plump terminal buds and retaining the terminal buds while removing the rest. When potting, the pot size should match the plant to achieve a satisfactory plant form. After watering thoroughly, manage normally. 50-60 days before Spring Festival, move them into a greenhouse at about 10°C and spray water 2-3 times a day to keep the potting soil moist. When the scaly buds swell, gradually raise the temperature to 25-30°C, with the night temperature not lower than 15°C. In this way flowers can be seen at Spring Festival.

Summary: The above is the relevant introduction to peony seedling prices and pot-growing methods. Flower lovers can refer to the above prices and pot-growing methods for growing them. Note that the peony seedling prices above are only for reference, and the actual prices prevail. I hope this helps friends who need it!