Is it better to plant peonies in autumn or spring?
Compared to the common introduction of green plants and flowers about whether peonies are better planted in autumn or spring, what follows is a comprehensive introduction.
As the saying goes, "Peonies in July and peonies in August," which means that in Heze, the origin of peonies and peonies, the lunar seventh and eighth months are the most suitable for planting peonies and tree peonies. In fact, in most areas, from the end of summer heat to the autumnal equinox, that is, from late August to late September, it is possible to plant peonies and tree peonies. Northern regions have an early autumn, so the planting time is earlier, while areas like Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai plant around the Mid-Autumn Festival. Southern regions without low winter temperatures are not suitable for planting.
Is it better to plant peonies in autumn or spring?
Many flower enthusiasts only think of planting peonies when they see the beautiful peony flowers, so they often buy peony root tubers in spring. After several years of planting, they still only grow leaves and do not bloom.
There is a saying about peonies, "Divide peonies in spring and they won't bloom until old age." This shows that spring is not suitable for planting peonies. The growth pattern of peony flowers is that they sprout in spring, doze in summer, and develop roots in autumn. Therefore, transplanting peonies in autumn allows them to grow roots quickly, which is more beneficial for the spring growth of peonies.
Note that the first year's flowering of peonies planted in autumn is greatly related to the variety. Generally, double-petal peony varieties require more nutrients to bloom, so they often fail to bloom in the first year after planting. Single-petal varieties, if the root tubers are large enough, can bloom slightly in the first spring after transplanting.
Planting methods for peony flowers
Planting peony flowers is particularly easy, as they are flowers that can survive by simply touching soil and are very easy to care for, especially suitable for ground planting. After transplanting, they almost require no care and can bloom year after year, and the more they bloom, the more they are considered an excellent flower variety for novice flower enthusiasts, both beautiful and easy to cultivate.
Although peony flowers are very easy to plant, you also need to understand a few points before planting.
1. -- Do not plant bare-root peonies except in autumn --
As mentioned earlier, peonies develop roots in autumn, so bare-root peonies can only be planted in autumn. They can also be planted in winter if it stays warm, such as in a greenhouse. Most home plantings are done in autumn.
If planted in spring, only potted seedlings with soil can be used. Transplanting with the original soil ball should not damage the roots. Generally, there are few peony potted plants sold in spring, and there are many false peony root tubers, so be careful to distinguish.
2. -- Plant as much as possible in the ground --
Peonies are more suitable for ground planting, as ground planted peonies require almost no care and can bloom year after year on their own. If potted, it is recommended to use a large-diameter pot. The biggest problem with potted peonies is how to water them in winter.
Many flower enthusiasts find that their potted peonies have rotted in spring because they have overwatered them. Therefore, if you have potted peonies, you can place them outdoors in winter without watering, as natural rain is sufficient. If it doesn't rain, only water the pot edges when the soil is dry, as too much water is never a good idea.
3. -- Do not plant upside down --
Last year, many flower enthusiasts planted peonies upside down because the bare-root peony tubers have a very small bud point, while the roots are numerous and thin. Many flower enthusiasts, not having planted before, couldn't tell the top from the bottom and buried the bud point downwards and the roots upwards. When planting, be sure to have the bud point facing up and cover it with 2-3 cm of soil.
To reduce the occurrence of root rot in winter, you can soak the peony root tubers in carbendazim before planting, and for ground planting, you can plant them directly. Whether potted or ground planted, water once after planting, then ground plants do not need to be watered again, while potted plants should be kept on the dry side.
4. -- Do not trample during dormancy --
Peonies are in a dormant state in autumn and winter, and will not sprout. So after planting, if you don't see any sprouts, don't worry, this is a normal state. Ground planted peonies should be protected in autumn and winter, as there is nothing on the ground, and they can easily be overlooked and stepped on or turned up when digging, which can affect the growth of peonies.
5. -- Do not top in spring --
In spring, after peonies sprout, they grow very fast, and the new buds shoot up straight. Many flower enthusiasts think of topping the peonies to promote branching or dwarf the plant. Please do not do this. Peonies do not need topping, as it will affect flowering and result in no flowers to see, so be careful.
The above[] introduces the comprehensive knowledge of whether it is better to plant peonies in autumn or spring and the planting methods of peony flowers, hoping it can help you.