How to care for peony flowers

Soil requirements

The requirements for peony potting soil are relatively simple. Generally, well-drained, fertile, loose sandy soil can be selected. The soil preparation method is: leaf mold, garden soil, and fine river sand.

Before planting, disinfect with carbendazim or methyl thiophanate solution before use.

Watering method

Proper watering is the key to growing peonies. In spring, after moving it outdoors, water it once, loosen the soil after watering it thoroughly, and then keep the soil moist.

Water according to the size of the potting soil. If the flowerpot is smaller, the frequency of watering should be increased appropriately after it is taken out of the room. In rainy weather in summer, pour out the accumulated water in the pot in time to prevent root rot.

Fertilization method

Peony is a fertilizer-loving plant. If you want the peony to have large and colorful flowers and avoid blooming every other year, you must pay attention to the timing of fertilizing. It is forbidden to apply fertilizer to newly planted peonies within half a year, and fertilization should start after half a year.

Generally speaking, fertilizer needs to be applied three times a year. The first time is the pre-flowering fertilizer, which is applied when the soil thaws and the leaves stretch out; the second time is the post-flowering fertilizer, which is applied within half a month after the flowers wither, which promotes the recovery of the plant and the differentiation of flower buds. The third time is winter fertilizer, which is applied before winter to promote spring growth.

Pruning methods

In order to promote the healthy growth of peonies and beautiful plant shape, timely pruning is necessary. The pruning of peonies is divided into two times: winter and spring and summer.

In spring, you should select and retain branches and buds, remove excess branches and buds, and cut off weak branches, branches infected by pests and diseases, and branches that are too long to ensure the plant has a beautiful shape and is well ventilated and light-permeable.

After the flowers fall in summer, cut off the remaining flowers. In late autumn, cut off diseased, dead and overgrown branches.

Temperature and light

Adequate light is very beneficial to the growth of peonies, but they should not be exposed to the sun for a long time.

The suitable growth temperature is 15~25℃, and the plant is dormant above 25℃. During the period before flowering, the plants must be ventilated in time to avoid high temperatures that affect their growth.