Detailed Explanation of Field Management Techniques for White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)

White peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is a perennial herb of the genus Paeonia. It is one of the traditional commonly used Chinese herbal medicines in China, with extremely high annual market demand, and it is cultivated in various places. So how should white peony be managed when grown? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction below with the editor.

1. Intertillage and Weeding

White peony needs intertillage twice a year, once in autumn and once in winter. After the soil thaws in the second spring, the soil should be scraped away to facilitate seedling emergence. Because the planting density is relatively high and the seedlings are small after emergence, weeds are very likely to grow in the field, competing with the seedlings for water and nutrients, which is unfavorable to seedling growth, so weeding must be done frequently. In subsequent years, intertillage and weeding should be carried out before the emerged branches close the rows. When intertilling, pay attention to the depth to avoid damaging the seedling root system.

2. Earthing Up and Root Exposure

In late October, branches and leaves should be pruned at 7-8 cm above the ground, and about 15 cm of soil should be earthed up. This helps the root system overwinter, protects the peony buds, and facilitates sprouting after thawing. In May of the second year, the soil around the root heads should be scraped open to expose the root system, let it dry in the sun for about a week, and then earth up again to protect the roots. This can use high temperatures to kill pathogens and pests in the soil, laying the foundation for improving yield and quality, but when exposing the roots, note that the time should not be too long.

3. Topdressing

White peony has a relatively high demand for fertilizer during its growth period, and topdressing should be carried out in stages to meet its nutrient needs. Generally, from the second year of planting, topdressing is needed 3 times a year. The first time is in March-April, applying 250 kg of dilute human and animal manure per mu; the second time is in late April, applying 500 kg of human and animal manure per mu; the third time is in October-November, mainly using barnyard manure, applying 1500-2000 kg per mu. In the third year, farmyard manure is mainly used, combined with an appropriate amount of chemical fertilizer. Each fertilization should be applied in holes opened on both sides of the plant.

4. Drainage and Irrigation

During the growth process of white peony, it prefers dry conditions and fears waterlogging. Therefore, irrigation is generally not needed; it is only necessary to irrigate appropriately during long periods of drought. During the rainy season, pay attention to promptly draining surface water to avoid root rot.

The above is an introduction to the field management techniques for white peony. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.