Peonies are distinguished by high decorative flowering and foliage, unpretentiousness and longevity. They are planted in late summer, early autumn. This is due to the peculiarities of the growth of their root system. Important points that determine the lush flowering of plants are the choice of a permanent place, proper planting and care, especially in the first year of the growing season. The peony needs fertilization, abundant watering. It is better to avoid flowering in the first year of the growing season and cut the peduncles so that the plant takes root well and forms a healthy root system.

Peonies can be grown from seeds. However, this is the most difficult and time-consuming way of obtaining new plants, which does not guarantee the preservation of varietal traits. For these reasons, growers rarely use it. It is easier and faster to propagate peonies vegetatively:

• stem and root cuttings;
• kidney renewal;
• layering;
• dividing the bush.

The simplest and an effective way to obtain planting material is to divide the bush.

The division is subject to adults, bushes growing in one place for more than 8 years. The method allows not only to quickly, simply and in sufficient quantities to obtain planting material, but also to rejuvenate the bush.

The division of the bush is carried out in the first half of August and consists in the sequential execution of a number of actions.

1. 1. The selected bush is undermined on all sides with a garden pitchfork and carefully pulled out of the soil.
2. 2. The rhizome is freed from the earth: shaken, then washed with water.
3. 3. The bush is left to dry for 3-5 hours, then the shoots are cut to a height of 10-15 cm.

After that, you can start dividing the rhizome. Most often, the bush is easily separated into parts, and only in rare cases it has to be cut. Each division should have 2-3 buds of growth and roots at least 15 cm long.

Features of the root system

The underground part of peonies consists of rhizomes and roots proper, different in origin and vegetation.

The rhizome is the hibernating part of the plant on which renewal buds are formed. New shoots topped with flowers grow out of them every year.

Actually, the roots of the peony are divided into 3 types, differing in appearance, timing of development and the function performed.

• Storage roots - tuberous thick brown formations that develop due to thickening of adventitious roots that have accumulated nutrients.
• Accessory roots - extend directly from the rhizome and perform a penetrating function, going deep into the soil up to a meter. Having reached solid soil layers, they grow to the sides.
• Suction - thin white roots that grow annually from adventitious and die off for the winter. They provide the plant with a solution of nutrients, being the most working part of the root system.

The formation and growth of the root system of a peony takes place in 2 stages.

1. 1. In the spring, in April or May, adventitious roots grow. After flowering, when the growth of shoots and leaves stops, a supply of nutrients is formed in the adventitious roots. They thicken and turn into storage. Due to the presence of this stock, the shoots develop quickly and early next spring.
2. 2. In autumn (end of August, September), the suction roots grow vigorously.

When to plant flowers?

All manipulations with the roots of peonies (dividing the bush, transplanting) are best done before the start of the autumn growth of the suction roots, in the first half of August. Otherwise, the thin suction roots are severely injured and the plant does not take root well in a new place.

Additional arguments in favor of the August landing are:

• termination of the growing season of the entire aboveground part of the plant;
• formation of kidney growth or renewal;
• increased development of suction roots in September, thanks to which plants have time to take root before winter.

It so happens that it is possible to acquire the desired variety of peony only in the spring. In this case, you will have to carry out an unscheduled spring planting.

If the plant was purchased before the snow melted or the threat of frost on the soil disappeared and it is still too early to plant it in open ground, then:

• the peony is placed in a wide container and covered with soil;
• put in a dark cool place;
• watered occasionally.

As soon as the first reddish arrows of the sprouts appear, the peony is transferred to a lighter place.

At a daytime air temperature of 10 ° C, peonies can be planted in open ground, in a permanent place.

Seat selection

Varietal peonies have been growing in one place for more than a dozen years, so when planting it is worth taking it seriously. Light, soil composition and properties are significant factors.

Lighting

Peonies need good lighting, but they do not tolerate prolonged (several hours) exposure to direct sunlight: the buds fade and shrink.

The ideal place for a peony would be:

• the eastern side of the garden or cottage, with good morning and evening lighting and slight shading from midday rays;
• at a considerable (at least 1.5-2 m) distance from trees and bushes, walls and fences.

Lack of light negatively affects flowering: the number of buds, their size and color brightness are reduced.

The soil

Peonies grow on any soil, but they also look different:

• Flowers growing on sandy soils are characterized by a large number of thin shoots with small leaves and numerous small buds.
• On clayey lands, peonies develop powerful shoots, large leaves and large buds, but the development of the plant is slow. Flowering occurs later.
• They look worst on peaty soils, characterized by an acidic environment.

For peonies, cultivated, well-drained, slightly acidic or neutral loamy soils with high air and moisture permeability are needed.

If there are none on the site, then you will have to take appropriate measures:

• clay soils are enriched with humus or low-lying (black) peat and sand is added;
• acidic ones are neutralized by adding lime, dolomite flour or chalk: 1 kg / m2.

When choosing a landing site, you should pay attention to the moisture content of the soil on the site. Peonies are hygrophilous, but at the same time they cannot stand even a slight stagnation of water, especially in spring and autumn.

To prevent root decay when planting, drainage is placed on the bottom of the pits: fine gravel or broken red brick with a layer of 20 cm, sprinkled with sand on top.

Choosing the right place for planting is the key to quick adaptation of the plant, good development and lush flowering.

Landing rules

Prepare for planting peonies in advance. 1-2 weeks before the planned date, cone-shaped holes are dug. Their size is determined by the height of the plants.

The planting pits are 3/4 filled with nutrient soil, which is used as:

• grass compost with the addition of charcoal or ash;
• a mixture of humus, sand, black peat and sod land, taken in equal amounts, with the addition of mineral fertilizers: 100 g of superphosphate, 300 g of bone meal or wood ash, 1 tbsp. l. iron sulfate;
• humus or compost, enriched with superphosphate (200 g) and potassium sulfate (100 g), with the addition of 300 g of wood ash and 100 g of lime.

The nutrient mixture will provide early development of the peony in the spring and will greatly facilitate maintenance. The soil must settle, which is important for a favorable plant survival. Immediately before planting, the pit filled with nutrient soil is spilled well, allowing the water to be completely absorbed.

After 1 - 2 weeks, the separated parts of the peony are placed in the pit, deepening the growth buds by 5 cm. With a deeper planting, the plant will need a lot of effort to distill the shoots. Growth buds left on the surface can freeze in winter. The plant is well watered. After that, mulch with compost or the remaining soil mixture without fertilizers.

Care

Peony care is simple and consists in carrying out the activities traditional for the florist: feeding, watering, weeding and loosening, removing faded buds and preparing for winter.

The most active period of development of peonies is the first year after planting. At this time, the plants are looked after with great care.

Top dressing

In the first year of the growing season, from May to mid-June, complex mineral fertilizers enriched with nitrogen are applied once every 2 weeks.

• Dry mixtures are scattered and mixed with the ground around the bush, followed by watering.
• The near-trunk circle is spilled with a solution of mineral fertilizers.

Fertilizing the soil is combined with foliar dressing, carried out 3 times with an interval of 2-3 weeks:

1. 1.the emerging reddish shoots are sprayed with a urea solution (30 or 40 g per 1 liter of water);
2. 2. the bush is treated with a less concentrated urea solution (30-40 g per 5 liters of water), adding a micronutrient tablet to it;
3. 3. the latter is carried out with a nutrient solution from micronutrient fertilizers: 2 tablets per 5 liters of water.

Foliar dressing is especially important in the first year of bush growth, since the plant has not yet formed a full-fledged root system.

Subsequently, feeding is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. 1.prophylactic: immediately after the snow melts, the soil around the bush is spilled with a solution of potassium permanganate (1-2 g per 5 l of water);
2. 2. nitrogen-potassium: carried out during the active growth of shoots (May) using rotted organic matter with the addition of nitrogen and potassium: 15-20 g of fertilizer is evenly distributed in the soil at a distance of 15-20 cm from the rhizome;
It is carried out by:

• in the first 2-3 weeks after the emergence of shoots and in the absence of rain: once with an interval of 2-3 days, 15-20 liters under a bush;
• subsequently moistened less often, but abundantly: once a week, 2-3 buckets of water are poured under each adult bush.

The next day after moistening, to retain moisture and enrich the soil with oxygen, the near-stem circle is carefully loosened, combining this procedure with the removal of weeds.

Regular watering is especially important during flowering and after flowering, so it is carried out until the end of August.

Preparing for winter

In September, peonies are prepared for wintering:

• bushes spud;
• shoots of herbaceous forms are cut to a height of 10-15 cm;
• the bush is covered with a layer of spruce branches, dry foliage, sawdust or shavings.

Outside the window, frost, snow, and we already feel the approach of spring - soon the shelves of shops will be filled with long-awaited plants, the receipt of the ordered roots and seedlings will begin. For inexperienced flower growers, this time is quite difficult - after all, you need not only to purchase planting material, but also to skillfully save it before planting.

When purchasing peonies in the spring, we usually experience very contradictory feelings: we really want to buy and remember the recommendation to plant them only in the fall. Indeed, we always plant peonies in the fall, because in late August - early September, peonies are dug up and divided. In September, we plant the purchased peony cut in a permanent place.

Recently, we are increasingly talking about spring planting. This is explained by the fact that peonies from Europe come to us at this particular time. Apparently it is more profitable for gardening firms importing peonies to Russia. But there is no cause for concern. The peony has two periods of regrowth of the suction roots - in autumn (August-September) and in spring (April-May). If in the fall we plant the delenka in the ground, in a permanent place, then in the spring when buying in February-March (at this time "foreign things" usually arrive), it is impossible to plant in the ground - it is still frozen here, so we plant it in pots. The size of the pots is 2-3 liters, depending on the size of the cut. And we keep the peonies in a cool dark place (cellar, basement, glazed loggia, garage) until warm weather. I want to warn you that in the spring you can buy peonies with an open root system no later than the end of March. In April May, as soon as possible, we dig in pots with peonies in the garden. So they can be kept until autumn. Over the summer, it will be possible to prepare a site for planting, lay the planting holes in advance, and then transshipment, without disturbing the earth's clod, plant the peony in a permanent place. You can and put in place without waiting for the fall (I, as a rule, do this).

Peonies are a wonderful decoration of the landscape, perennials with green decorative foliage and large flowers are good in single and group plantings. Plants are hardy and not capricious. Planting peonies and caring for them in the open field will not be difficult, but they are associated with certain rules. Experienced gardeners share the secrets and peculiarities of growing flowers.

Landing rules

Even before buying a seedling, you should decide on the place and time of planting. When to plant peonies in spring or autumn, they choose according to the prevailing circumstances. But if possible, it is better to postpone the work until September. When deciding where to plant flowers, consider the requirements for healthy growth and lush flowering shrubs:

1. The site should be well lit, a little shade is acceptable for several hours a day.
2. Stagnation of moisture is not allowed, the presence of groundwater is closer than 70-80 cm.
3. The place should not be blown by winds.
4. The acidity of the soil is neutral or slightly alkaline pH 6.5-7. The structure of the soil is loose, loams are good.

The soil

2-3 weeks before the moment when you are going to plant the cut, prepare a hole with fertile soil. You will need:

• rotted manure (horse or cow) and compost 5-6 kg;
• wood ash (2 glasses);
• dolomite flour 200-500 g, the amount depends on the acidity of the soil, the higher the indicator, the more fertilization;
• 100 g of superphosphate and potassium sulfide.

The structure of heavy clay soil is improved with sand (1 bucket), and clay is added to sandy soil. You will find interesting information about planting and growing perennials in the article.

Landing scheme

Peony bushes grow in one place for about 10 years. Under their roots, which grow significantly over such a period, a spacious pit is required. Its dimensions are 80:80:80 cm. At the bottom, a drainage layer is required (1-15 cm). Any materials that allow moisture to pass through are suitable: sand, broken brick, expanded clay, pebbles. Earth is poured onto the drain, along with all the prepared components. The fertile layer should be located under the root of the plant.

In dry weather, before planting a delenka, the soil is watered. In autumn, due to the rains, the ground is sufficiently wet, so watering from above is sufficient. A very important point is at what depth to plant a peony. Recommended distance from renal renewal to surface:

• heavy soils - 3-5 cm;
• light (sandy) - 5-7 cm.

Advice. If the pit was not prepared in advance, then the soil will shrink. Consider it when placing a seedling. In such a situation, the cut is placed just above the recommended depth.

If a mass planting is planned, at what distance should peonies be planted from each other? Plants need a lot of nutrients from the soil and free air movement. In dense, overgrown bushes, weak flowering is observed, diseases spread. The optimal distance between perennials is 80-100 cm. It is desirable that such a gap be observed in relation to other large bushes.

Care and cultivation

In preparation for planting, not only the site needs, but the flower itself. For preventive purposes, the seedling is treated with a solution of the fungicides "Maxim", "Fundazol". This procedure prevents fungal infections. To accelerate root growth, stimulants "Epin", "Heteroauxin" are used. In the first year, the young plant is fed on the leaves. Mineral substances in the form of tablets are dissolved in water and sprayed with a bush.

The seedling requires regular watering, in the absence of rainfall, water it every week. Loosening of the soil is carried out according to the same schedule - after heavy rain and watering. Weeds are removed constantly. Loosening helps to reduce their number.

Florists pass on the tricks of growing peonies to their children and grandchildren. They also share secrets with enthusiasts. Lack of flowering or small buds are common problems. What are the reasons called by experts:

• Recessed root planting.
• The plant is young and has not gained enough strength to bloom.
• The opposite situation - the bush is too old, requires separation and rejuvenation by pruning. The aging rate depends on the variety; plants of the same age behave differently.
• Diseases, it is worth carefully examining the ground part and the root. Pay attention to light and dark spots, soft areas.
• Excessive pruning of peony last year. If a significant part of the stems and leaves was taken for cutting, then flower buds may not form.
• Problems with agricultural technology: acidic soil, lack of moisture and nutrition.

One of the nuances of cultivation is planting a peony in February in order to preserve the root until spring. This procedure is rarely carried out; most seedlings are bought before planting or stored in the refrigerator. A flower requires a spacious container with fertile soil. Until disembarkation in April, it is kept in a cool place.

Peonies are popular flowers, which is why they are used for forcing. Basically, French terry varieties of early flowering, with a pleasant aroma are taken. Growing peonies in a greenhouse requires additional lighting. Selected bushes are dug up in the fall and temporarily planted in pots with fertile soil. 2 months before the planned forcing period, they are planted in a greenhouse. They grow at 20-22 ° C and good lighting. In the spring, peonies are returned to the open ground.

Growing secrets:

• To ensure lush flowering of the bush, wilted buds are immediately removed.
• When cutting, leave as much greens as possible, which is necessary for the supply of food.
• The amount of moisture and fertilizer, the health of the bush in the current season is directly related to the quality of flowering next year. The better the care of the plant, the larger the buds.
• A circular support made of plastic or iron provides support for the stems. It cannot be replaced with tying.

Post-flowering care

Depending on the variety of peonies, flowering ends in June-July. Some gardeners make a serious mistake by cutting the stems to the root. This is absolutely impossible to do. Thanks to the lush green foliage, the plant actively accumulates the substances necessary for the formation of new flower buds. It is enough just to cut off the peduncles and remove the crumbling petals.

2 weeks after flowering, the last feeding is performed. Phosphorus-potassium preparations and organic matter are introduced.

Transplanting peonies in the spring to another place

Peonies live for decades in one place, but the roots grow strongly in an adult plant. It becomes cramped for them, the supply of nutrients deteriorates, the bush does not bloom well. The only way out in this situation is a transplant with division of the rhizome. This is a difficult procedure, because digging up a perennial is quite problematic. When to replant peonies in spring or autumn? The optimal time for any planting work with a plant is the beginning of autumn. Flowers manage to take root in a new place, and with the arrival of winter, they do not have to spend energy on growing the ground part.

If the right moment is missed, can peonies be transplanted in the spring before flowering? This option is possible if the snow melts early and the ground thaws. A place away from groundwater, drafts and shade is pre-selected. When preparing the soil, mineral fertilizers are applied. Experienced gardeners know how to replant plants so that they bloom next year. The secret is simple, you need to dig out a bush with a clod of earth, while trying not to damage the suction roots. The buds should not be deepened more than 5 cm. The plant will take a long time to germinate and it will not bloom.

Information. The plant benefits from pruning old, overgrown or rotten roots.

When replanting peonies, do not forget about watering. Plants under stress require a lot of water. It is advisable to mulch the soil, this will help keep moisture longer. Once a week, they loosen the ground around the bush. Before transplanting peonies, treat them with a solution of any fungicide "Maxim", "Fundazol", and pour the soil on a new one with potassium permanganate. This will prevent fungal infections during a period when the plants are weakened and vulnerable.

Planting peonies in autumn

The optimal time for planting peonies is from late August to mid-September. It can move in both directions in different climatic conditions. The choice is related to the characteristics of the growth and rooting of flowers. Peonies, planted in autumn, build up the root system in cool conditions. Their buds are preparing for hibernation, nutrients are not wasted on green mass and flowering. Autumn rains will provide ample moisture.

Advice. If the work fell on late autumn, you should make the shelter with a layer of up to 10 cm.

Autumn care

The main work related to the care of peonies falls on the spring and summer. During this period, watering, feeding, weeding and loosening are carried out. At the end of the growing season, the plants are prepared for winter. Mature shrubs require a minimum of care. They must be cut and covered with wood ash. In cold regions, tree peonies protect from frost with a spruce twig hut or make a shelter from non-woven material.

Another point that inexperienced gardeners miss is that renewal buds, which are at a shallow depth, eventually approach the surface. If initially they were lowered by 5 cm, then with the growth of roots and erosion of the soil, they may be 1-2 cm from the soil level. In winter, the buds will suffer from frost. Before the onset of cold weather, it is necessary to paddle the earth to the bushes.

How to plant peonies in spring

Saplings purchased in winter are grown at home. Having no experience in growing, people are interested in whether it is possible to plant them in spring or will they have to wait for autumn? If necessary, peonies are planted at the wrong time. When can you transplant them outdoors? Immediately after the snow melts. Do not wait for high temperatures, in spring planting dates are April, early May (for cold regions).

The technology for selecting and preparing a site for planting in the ground is the same as for autumn work. The pit should be spacious, drainage at the bottom, fertile, loose soil. How deep should you plant? Taking into account the shrinkage of the soil, place the root 2 cm above the recommended depth so that the buds are 2-3 cm from the surface. After planting and watering, mulch the soil. How to properly care for a seedling? In the first year, watering, loosening, weeding is necessary.

How to store peonies before planting

A true flower lover will not be able to pass up the opportunity to purchase a good variety of peonies for a reasonable price. In winter, stores often sell seedlings in boxes or bags. Their roots are wrapped in sphagnum moss, peat or a small amount of soil. If the seedling has spent a lot of time in a warm, dry room, this has a bad effect on the condition of its rhizome. Purchased material must be inspected and evaluated for its appearance. If the root looks good, and the buds are not awake, overexposure of the peonies before planting in the spring occurs in the refrigerator.

Advice. Buy cuttings of mature shrubs that are over 4 years old. They look less attractive than the roots of young plants, but they quickly take root and begin to bloom.

But more often a situation arises when the root looks sick, and the buds have begun to grow. Vegetation takes place at the expense of rhizome reserves. They will soon dry up and the plant will die. A decision is required on how to preserve the roots before planting in the ground. There is only one way out - to temporarily plant it in a spacious container, and in the spring to move it to the garden. Use pots with a volume of at least 5 liters or plastic eggplants. At the bottom it is necessary to make holes for water drainage.

The bottle or pot is filled with ready-made universal flower primer. The seedling is disinfected in a solution of the fungicide "Maxim" or "Skor". It is recommended to treat it with a growth stimulant afterwards. The soil is poured into the container and the root is planted. They moisturize well. The peony is kept in a cool, light room. This is the best way for those who are wondering how to preserve the seedlings purchased in March. In natural conditions, plants need a "cold start". At low temperatures, suction roots grow back, providing nutrition.

Advice. Place a plastic bag with holes in the container before filling the soil. When transplanting, it will be easier to remove the seedling with a clod of earth.

How to plant store-bought peonies in spring

What to do with a seedling bought in a box in the spring? It makes no sense to wait for autumn, because peonies take root during spring planting. At the beginning of the growing season, the soil temperature is still low, so the plant will have time to grow roots before the buds come to life. The success of growing primarily depends on the purchase of quality planting material. When choosing, the information on the packaging is evaluated. A conscientious manufacturer must indicate:

• peony variety;
• number and age of divisions;
• description of the plant;
• planting instructions.

The roots of herbaceous tulips are sold in plastic bags. Through the transparent film, you can see their color and condition, as well as the number of renewal buds. There must be at least two of them. The normal length of slender lateral roots is 5-6 cm.

Attention. There should be no nodular formations, dark areas, cracks on the dividend. If the planting material is soft or dry to the touch, it is better to refuse it.

Planting technology in spring

The place for the purchased plant is selected in advance. It should be well lit, not damp. The roots of flowers grow for a considerable distance, therefore a deep and spacious hole is required, which is filled with:

• drainage layer (sand, broken brick, gravel);
• garden soil with compost, ash, superphosphate.

The hole is 2/3 filled with soil, the root is laid. It should be 3-5 cm from its buds to the surface. The hole is filled with the remaining soil. The seedling is watered abundantly (10-15 liters of water). The top is mulched with compost. The first month requires regular hydration.

Planting of peonies from a box, grown in containers, occurs by the transshipment method. This is the least traumatic way. Foliage usually appears on the stems by the time of planting. In some cases, buds are tied, which must be removed. A hole is dug under the seedling, drainage is arranged at the bottom. The peony is carefully removed from the container by pulling it by the edges of a plastic bag. The plastic is torn apart, and the seedling with the earth is placed in a pit. The free space is covered with a fertile mixture according to the recipe for a conventional planting. Sprinkle with plenty of water.

Peony seeds how to germinate at home and in the garden

Growing peonies from seeds is usually practiced by breeders. For an ordinary gardener, this breeding method is difficult and long, and the result is questionable. The new bush does not always inherit the varietal characteristics of the parent plant. To enthusiasts, propagation of peonies by seeds will seem like an exciting experience. The fruit of the plant is a green leaflet in the shape of a star. After ripening, it is filled with oval, shiny black seeds, as in the photo.

Advice. Do not wait for the seeds to ripen, pluck them light brown. Collection time is the second and third ten days of August.

The main problem that will have to be faced is the low germination of seeds. This is especially true of purchased material. Open the bag and see what the seeds look like. If they are dry and wrinkled, soak for 2-3 days. A few drops of Zircon growth stimulant can be added to the water. Why are there such problems? The seeds of herbaceous and tree-like peonies have a very strong shell, and the embryo is weak.

You can grow a seedling outdoors or at home. Under natural conditions, it will germinate for 2 years. After the first winter, a root will appear, and after the second growth bud. Information on how to grow a peony at home will help to shorten this period. The secret lies in creating the conditions for effective stratification. The seeds are alternately exposed to prolonged exposure to heat and cold.

Advice. Before planting, soak the seeds for 12 hours in a solution of Epin and Zircon.

To germinate seeds, you need a container with a layer of soil (3 cm) and a layer of sand (3 cm). The soil is watered abundantly. The swollen planting material is laid out on the surface, covered with sand by 1 cm. The container is covered with foil or glass. Then for two months it is kept at a temperature of 28-30 ° C during the day and 15 ° C at night. Moisten the soil periodically. After the warm phase, roots appear.

Before the onset of the cold phase, the seeds are planted in separate containers and taken out to visit with a temperature of 6-8 ° C. The duration of this stage is up to 4 months. With a positive result, the first leaf appears. Until the time comes to plant the flower in a permanent place, it is kept in a pot. In warm weather, they are taken out into the garden for hardening.

Basic rules on how to grow peonies from seeds:

• Use fresh planting material.
• You can rub the dry shell with sandpaper.
• Stratify the seeds in a warm-cold-warm or cold-warm-cold pattern.
• Use plant growth stimulants.

How to plant peonies in spring

When choosing the period when to plant flowers in spring or autumn, give preference to the second option. Simultaneously with the transplant, the division of the peony bush occurs. The procedure has its own nuance - each part should be approximately the same size. Do not make large divisions, they are the ones that do not bloom next summer. The plant has enough nutrients at the root, it does not strive for development. Cut off some of the roots before replanting the peonies. It is enough to leave 10-15 cm. This procedure stimulates plant growth. Treat the cut sites with ash or fungicide.

How to plant flowers correctly

A spacious pit 60:60:60 cm is prepared in advance for a seedling. Drainage is arranged at the bottom. The removed soil is mixed with compost, ash and mineral fertilizers. If the soil is clayey, you will need a bucket of sand to dilute. The acidic soil is neutralized by adding dolomite flour 300-500 g. Diluted mullein or chicken droppings are suitable as an organic additive.

Important. Flowers are planted at a distance of 1 m from each other. Such a scheme will ensure that you get enough nutrients.

Around the bush at a distance of 40-50 cm, dig in the ground. The root is loosened and taken out with a shovel, but it is better to use a pitchfork. The rhizome is washed and examined. All dark and soft areas are removed. Sections are treated with a fungicide. Can be completely immersed in manganese solution for 30-40 minutes. Adult peonies have a fairly strong root, a sharp knife is required to cut it, and in some cases a saw. Experts advise leaving the rhizome in the air for 2-3 hours. It will wither and become softer.

Before dividing the pions, the cut lines are marked. There should be enough roots and buds on each part. It is recommended to briefly lower the divided seedlings into "Heteroauxin", which is a fertilizer and growth stimulator. After planting in a prepared place, the plant is watered abundantly. In the spring, he does not need top dressing, because all the necessary nutritional components are laid in the pit. In the fall, it is worth adding organic feeding.

How else can you propagate peonies - by cuttings and layering. Before flowering, the stem of an adult bush is cut into cuttings 10-15 cm long. Each must have 2 internodes. The leaves are cut in half. The lower part of the cut is placed for 1-2 hours in a solution of the drug that stimulates root formation "Kornevin", "Epin". The stalk is stuck in a container with wet sand mixed with compost. For better germination, greenhouse conditions are created - covered with plastic wrap.

The soil is regularly moistened with a spray bottle, the shelter is removed for ventilation. By the fall, the cuttings should take root, they can be planted in a permanent place. Due to the low survival rate of plants, this method is rarely used. they are not propagated. There is another modification of the method. In the spring, at the beginning of April, a fence from a box with a removed bottom is installed over the plant. Fertile soil is poured into it. The buds appearing on the stems are removed. In the fall, the fence is removed. Shoots are exposed to the point of formation of new roots. The processes are cut off, transplanted into prepared wells.

One of the breeding options for tree peonies is layering. The method is simple and effective. In the spring, the lateral shoot is cut in the middle. This area is treated with a rooting stimulant. The shoot is tilted, fixed and covered with soil. It is watered during the growing season. By the fall, roots are formed, the layers can be cut off from the mother bush.

Peony care in spring

What to do with peonies in the spring depends on the species being grown. The main works are absolutely the same, but there are characteristic nuances. In steadily warm weather, the winter shelter is removed from the tree-like peonies. Novice gardeners are worried about when to open peonies in spring, at what temperature? These flowers are resistant even to subzero temperatures, so in April you can safely get rid of the auxiliary materials that protected the bushes in winter. Shoots are examined and sanitary pruning is carried out to the first bud. Dried stems can be shortened to ground level.

Herbaceous varieties need feeding and watering. The article will tell you about the types and optimal timing of fertilization. Additional food is required for adult bushes over two years of age. Mineral formulations are used first. Urea granules are dissolved in water or scattered on the ground. Such fertilization will provide the required amount of nitrogen, which is responsible for the formation of green mass.

In total, during the growing season, flowers should receive 3 additional fertilizing: at the beginning of the season, during the laying of buds and at the end of summer. The drug recommended for plants is Kemira. It contains a balanced amount of essential minerals. To improve the structure of the soil and the development of useful microflora, use "Baikal EM-1". Additionally, foliar dressing is performed. Mineral tablets are dissolved in water and sprayed on leaves and stems.

Caring for peonies in the spring after winter includes cleaning from debris and loosening the soil. You need to wait for the first leaves to appear so as not to damage them during work. During the growing season, the plant needs moisture. In April, peonies require regular watering, this is the main care at the beginning of the season. After wetting, remember to loosen the soil. It is also worth thinking about installing a support. Stems in windy areas or under the weight of lush inflorescences sink to the ground. The size of the support should be half the height of the bush.

Giving advice on spring care, seasoned gardeners note the importance of preventing plant diseases. Fungal spores are often found in the soil, waiting for a favorable increase in moisture levels. Treatment of peonies with Bordeaux liquid will help prevent dangerous infections (gray and root rot, spotting). The soil is disinfected with a manganese solution. You will find detailed recommendations for the treatment of flowers in the article.

Advice. To make the buds larger, remove the lateral ovary.

What year after planting do peonies bloom?

The impatience of gardeners waiting for the first flowers to appear on the peony bushes is understandable. The appearance time of peonies depends on the age of the planting material. If you bought a 3-4 year old seedling and planted it in well fertilized soil in the fall, there is a chance you will see flowers in a year. The tree-like peony blooms even later, for 5-6 years. According to the rules, when peonies begin to bloom for the first time, their buds are cut off. This makes it possible to direct all forces to the development of the root.

The flowering period depends on the variety: the early ones throw out the buds in early June, the middle ones - in the second half of the month, the late ones - in the first days of July. The flowering period is 8-15 days. It depends on the variety, terry forms bloom longer than simple ones. The real record holder, delighting with its buds for almost a month, is the Bartzella variety. ITO-hybrid with yellow petals blooms along with medium peonies, and withers with late ones.

There is an opinion that perennials should be planted and transplanted only in the autumn months, however, experience shows that with the right approach, planting peonies in the spring can be quite successful.

1 Autumn or spring: planting features at different times of the year

2

Experts recommend carrying out all garden work on planting and transplanting peonies in the fall. The root system of the bushes becomes stronger over the summer, by the end of the season it goes into a state of dormancy and reacts to any actions with it more adequately than at other times of the year.

Peonies take longer to take root in spring, as a result of which their flowering is delayed, it may not be so bright, and the plants themselves are more prone to diseases. However, it should be borne in mind that the period from April to May is the same full-fledged period of regrowth of suction roots, as well as August-September, therefore, subject to the planting rules and proper subsequent care, gardeners have the right to count on a future beautiful flower garden of peonies planted in spring ... An additional argument in favor of spring work is the ability not to wait for autumn if the planting material is purchased in winter or early spring.

3 Types of flowers

There are quite a few classifications of peonies. The most common of these in origin and shape.

Tree-like

Sino-European:

Japanese:

Herbaceous

Peony evading (Maryin root):

Medicinal peony:

Narrow-leaved peony

Peony Mlokosevich:

Milk-flowered peony:

Hybrids: intersectional or ITO

4 Correctly choose the timing of spring planting

Planting peonies in the spring months is recommended taking into account that the plants have enough time to survive, that is, immediately after the snow grows, without waiting for stable positive weather. The optimal months for such gardening activities in central Russia are April-May. For warm and cold regions, these periods shift accordingly.

The lunar calendar 2018 is considered good days for landing:

• February - 16, 18;
• March - 1, 15, 16;
• April - 25-27;
• May - 18–20, 27.

5 General principles and rules

Landing options can be roughly divided into two groups:

1. Depending on weather conditions:
   • in open ground;
   • in a container with subsequent transplantation into open ground.
2. By breeding method:
   • dividing the bush - one of the most common options, possible from 5-7 years old;
   • pruning a bush;
   • root cuttings with a bud - used to obtain a large amount of planting material;
   • stem cuttings - a complex method that is not suitable for reproduction of most hybrids;
   • layering - a simple option, suitable for bushes from 5-8 years old;
   • seeds - a laborious method, used mainly by breeders.

6 Important step: site selection and land preparation

For the successful growth and development of peonies, it is necessary to choose the right place for the flower bed and prepare the soil. Peonies are light-loving plants that do not tolerate strong drafts. The best place for them on your site will be its eastern part, preferably slightly elevated to avoid stagnant water, at least relatively far from trees and buildings.

An important prerequisite for these flowers is planting them in moderately acidic soil, which can be controlled by adding wood ash or sand to the soil.

7 Planting peony seedlings in open ground

There are several options for such planting work. If you already have ready-made divisions, then the stages of work will be as follows:

1 - drainage layer, 2 - nutrient layer, 3 - top layer, 4 - seedling planting depth

Using this method of planting peonies in open ground, pay attention to the quality of the planting material, since a correctly selected seedling is the key to a future beautiful flower. When purchasing a cut in a store or on the market, consider it carefully for the presence of 2-3 renewal buds and at least 2 adventitious roots, the length of which should be at least 5 cm.The seedling must be whole and healthy, not wet and not too dry, without growths and knots.

Spring planting of a peony delenka in pits prepared in the fall (video)

8 Reproduction of peonies in spring

In the event that you are going to plant your own peonies in the spring, then you should also consider several of the most common methods.

Pruning propagation

1. Dig in the plant to a depth of 6-8 cm.
2. Use a sharp shovel to cut the bush horizontally.
3. Divide into divisions.
4. Plant on a separate bed, followed by transplantation to a permanent place.
5. Sprinkle the roots with wood ash, cover with earth.

Planting root cuttings

This propagation method is suitable for varieties bred on the basis of medicinal peony. Produced in March-April.

1. We dig in the rhizome of the plant.
2. We cut off the adventitious roots, the thickness of which is more than 1 cm.
3. We divide the segments into pieces 5-7 cm long.
4. We plant to a depth of 4-5 cm.
5. Water well.
6. With this planting option, the buds of a seedling will be laid within 2-4 years.

Propagation by stem cuttings

You can start such garden work about 2 weeks before the peony begins to bloom, that is, in mid-May, the time is early morning.

1. We cut off a strong shoot near the root collar, which is not located for flowering.
2. We process the cut with wood ash or coal.
3. We shorten the cutting to a height of 9-10 cm, cutting off its upper part.
4. We plant the end down into a hole 4-5 cm deep into wet soil in a greenhouse or greenhouse.
5. We regularly ventilate the plant and spray it 2 times a day.
6. With obvious rooting, the greenhouse is removed.

Layers

Such reproduction of peonies is possible in two types of layering: ordinary and airy.

The usual layering is started at the end of spring. The extreme shoots of the peony are tilted to holes about 15 cm deep dug in the ground in advance, the tops are fixed in the holes, covered with soil, which includes humus, and watered abundantly.

Reproduction of tree peony in spring by layering (video)

An excellent option for breeding tall peonies is the Chinese method of air layers, which should be started 2-4 weeks before the flowers appear.

1. Choose a bush that is between 5 and 8 years old.
2. We put on a box or box without a bottom, the size of which depends on the size of the bush.
3. We pour a soil mixture consisting of humus, garden soil and sand into a box to a height of 10-11 cm.
4. Water abundantly.
5. As new shoots grow, we add a soil mixture with natural or mineral fertilizers.
6. In the fall, we remove the box, cut off new shoots with buds and send them for growing.

Seeds

When choosing this method of planting peonies, you should take into account a number of features:

• peony seeds are characterized by extremely low germination;
• their enzymatic activity is at the same level, that is, the emergence of even healthy seeds will have to wait about 2 years, if you do not resort to additional measures (stratification);
• it is unlikely to obtain plants with outstanding decorative properties.

Transplanting peonies in the spring (video)

9 Features of disembarkation of various types

There are no fundamental differences in the stages of planting peonies of various species, except perhaps in the depths of the holes for planting low and tall varieties, but even if you purchased a very long cut of some exotic peony, then there is no need to dig a huge hole, it is enough to place the seedling at an angle , it will germinate beautifully anyway.

However, when purchasing planting material, you should carefully study the information about it. It is quite possible that the conditions of the region of your residence simply will not suit him. This is especially true for intersectional hybrids.

In addition, soberly assess the landscape capabilities of your site, find out whether these or those peonies will fit into its appearance. It is also worth reading the reviews of those who have already planted the variety you like. Sometimes, in pursuit of especially outstanding, for example, terry flowers, gardeners are disappointed that the stems are not able to withstand such heavy buds falling to the ground, losing the much expected showiness of the bush.

10 Care after work

Caring for a future bush immediately after planting consists in abundant watering and, if desired, in mulching. Later, additional fertilizing and fertilization may be needed.

Important. Sometimes the seedling does not absorb the water it is watered with. Try shading it slightly by covering it with a mesh waste basket. Keep in mind that the best water for watering peonies is rainwater, especially if the tap water in your area is very hard.

How to feed

During the first few years, the plant will have enough of those substances that you added during the preparation of the pit for planting. After the plant is fully developed, the demands of the peony will increase.

Feeding stages:

• In April - mid-May, when the plant grows green mass, it is necessary to apply about 50 g of nitrogen-containing fertilizers;
• At the end of May, during budding, phosphorus and potassium are added, in addition, you can use a mullein solution, which is prepared in advance. To do this, we dilute a bucket of manure in six buckets of water and leave for 10 days for fermentation, while the mixture must be stirred once a day. Before placing the solution under the bush, dilute it with water.

Much attention is paid to foliar feeding of peonies, which is carried out in the second year after planting. This method should be carried out in calm weather using a sprayer. It includes several stages, the interval between which should be about two weeks:

• The first stage is carried out immediately after the appearance of the "green part" of the plant - treatment with a solution of carbamide;
• The second stage is after 14 days, and one tablet of microelements is added to the urea;
• For the third spraying, 2 tablets of trace elements are used, which are dissolved in a 10-liter bucket of water, and Heteroauxin is used to stimulate the growth of the root system. Weak buds in the first two years of life must be removed with garden shears, because they will interfere with root growth.

Organic and mineral dressing

The third year of the flower's life is marked by colorful and abundant flowering and splendor. So, the time has come to use mineral fertilizers, the amount of which depends on the weather: in dry times, the amount of fertilizing decreases, in rainy times, it increases. Stages of work:

1. Use of nitrogen-potassium fertilizers - 15 g of potassium and 10 g of nitrogen are enough for one bush. Fertilizers must be carefully applied around the flower while the snow is melting;
2. At the second stage, phosphate fertilizers are added. They feed the flowers while tying the buds - in no case should this stage be skipped, because it is important for obtaining luxurious bright flowers;
3. The third stage is carried out two weeks after the end of flowering. Fertilizers for peonies at this time are needed to grow healthy renewal buds, which provide an increase in the frost resistance of the bushes.

Much attention is paid to organic fertilizers, which are required for the formation of buds. To prepare them, use fresh mullein, diluted in water. This mixture is infused for 10 days, after which it is applied under each plant. It is very important here that the solution does not get on the root collar, which can lead to "burns". "Organic" is applied only once a season - during budding. Do not forget that it is important to combine feeding and watering plants, because peonies need a lot of liquid to assimilate them.

Material supplemented and updated 02/28/2018

The history of growing peonies has more than two millennia, during which a great many varieties and varieties have been created. But no matter how much the peonies have changed, planting and caring for them in the open field has not undergone major changes since then.

In order to admire the lush carved foliage and spectacular flowering year after year, the summer resident will have to master all the subtleties of agricultural technology and find out the preferences of these amazing ornamental plants.

All species of peonies that exist in nature are from Eurasia and the American continent, represented by herbaceous perennials and dwarf shrubs. In Russian gardens, plants have long proven their unpretentiousness and the ability to grow and bloom in one place from 10 to 20 years without transplanting.

A place for planting and caring for peonies in the open field

A place for planting peonies is chosen so that the plant is as comfortable as possible for not only one season, but also several years. Since this culture belongs to light and heat-loving, up to 3 hours a day it can endure a transparent garden shade, but is afraid of cold wind and draft, the peony is selected a site according to its requirements and shading for the hottest, noon hours.

For several years, the root system of peonies can deepen to 70–80 cm. To simplify the care of peonies in the open field, before planting, pay attention to the danger of flooding the site and stagnation of scarlet or groundwater. Constant humidity greatly increases the risk of root rot and the death of the entire bush.

Actively growing peonies need space, tightness leads to a deterioration in flowering, the appearance of diseases and pests.

Planting conditions for peony:

1. Planting holes are made at a distance of at least 1–1.5 meters from shrubs and other perennial plants.
2. A gap of at least 2-3 meters is left to the nearest tree.
3. You should not plant peonies directly under the walls of buildings and fences.
4. Between the bushes, depending on the type and variety, they leave from 70 to 180 cm of free space.

A bright, wind-protected area has been found, it's time to take care of the soil in which the peony is to grow. Soil with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction should be loose, aerated, nutritious. Sandy soil is flavored with humus, peat, wood ash and deoxidized with dolomite flour. Mix in garden soil as needed. Dense clay soil can be made more airy with river sand and a little peat. The sand is used to structure the nutritious, but rapidly caking black soil.

Rules for planting peonies for outdoor care

Unlike many horticultural crops, when planting it is important to leave the growth point on or above the soil, peonies deeply deepen. The buds, from which the stems will subsequently develop, are sunk into it by 3–7 cm, depending on the density of the soil.

If this is not done, the most sensitive and important part of the plant will be unprotected in rain, snow and sun. However, even with an excessively deep planting of a peony in open ground, caring for it can be not only laborious, but also in vain. Such plants form lush foliage in spring, but bloom weakly or refuse to form buds altogether.

Peony planting rules:

1. Planting pits for peonies are made up to 80 cm deep for tree-like plants and up to 60 cm for more common herbaceous varieties. The width of the pit is 60 and 50 cm, respectively.
2. The bottom, in order to avoid stagnation of water, is covered with drainage.
3. The pit is filled two-thirds with the prepared substrate mixed with 100-150 grams of superphosphate, one spoonful of ferrous sulfate and a liter jar of bone meal or sifted wood ash.
4. When the straightened peony roots fall into the ground, they are covered with loose soil by another 15–20 cm so that the buds are reliably hidden below the ground level.

Outdoor peony care in spring or autumn begins immediately after planting. The soil is carefully compacted and watered at the rate of 8-10 liters of water per bush. If the plants have autumn rooting and wintering ahead, they are mulched thickly with a 10-centimeter layer of peat. With the onset of spring, care for the perennial continues.

Planting peonies in the ground: spring or autumn

The most convenient planting time for a grower and favorable for a peony is the beginning of autumn. By this time, the root system of the perennial grows, and it itself recovers after flowering and accumulates strength.

If you plan to plant in the open ground and care for peonies in the fall, it should be carried out 30-40 days before the onset of stable cold weather. In this case, an adult transplanted plant or a young seedling obtained from dividing a bush is guaranteed to take root and does not freeze in winter.

The timing of planting of decorative perennials depends on the characteristics of the climate of a particular region. The shorter the summer, the earlier it is worth taking care of the preparation of pits and planting material.

Landing dates:

1. Planting of peonies in open ground in Siberia takes place in August, September and October, and in the northern regions it ends 1.5–2 months earlier than in the south.
2. In the Urals, where the weather is extremely changeable, seedlings are brought into the ground from the second half of August to mid-September.
3. A week later, you can plant flowering perennials in the middle lane and in the North-West of the country.
4. And in the south of Russia, peonies can be planted without fear for the condition of the plant from September to mid-October.

When buying seedlings from a nursery or because of the early arrival of cold weather, planting is postponed to spring. Unfortunately, if the plants have an open root system, they do not tolerate this procedure very well. Peonies weakened after wintering take a long time to acclimatize, and sometimes even over the whole summer they cannot recover.

To exclude unpleasant consequences, planting of peonies in the ground in the spring is carried out very early, in the soil moist after the snow melts, until the hot weather sets in, and the plants themselves do not grow.

The exception is peonies with a closed root system in containers. They can be planted without fear from spring to autumn.

Caring for peonies after planting in open ground

Vegetation of peonies begins in early May and ends in late autumn. Caring for peonies in the open field in spring begins with very gentle loosening of the soil, watering, if necessary, and fertilizing.

Peonies are watered infrequently, but very abundantly, in order to completely wet the earthen clod and the roots that braid it. Since the plant has to grow foliage and prepare for flowering, the peony needs complete mineral fertilizers and nitrogen.

Top dressing of peonies in the open field is done on wet ground. So that the mixture gets to the suction roots faster, a shallow hole is made around the bush at a distance of 10-15 cm, into which the solution is poured. In the summer, especially for young plants that have not reached the age of 3-4 years, foliar top dressing with urea is useful. They are introduced three times at intervals of 15–20 days from the moment the shoots appear.

In dry periods, peonies are watered at the rate of 10-15 liters per bush. It is especially important to maintain soil moisture in the first month after spring planting.

On blooming peonies, wilted flowers are regularly removed. On young plants less than 3 years old, any weak buds are also removed. All summer I weed the area under perennials, and in the fall, before the onset of cold weather, the shoots are cut off, and the soil is mulched. If the planting is carried out correctly, and the plants receive competent and sufficient care, the first flowering of the peony will begin in 2-3 years, gradually becoming brighter and more magnificent.

Planting a peony in autumn - video

Read on how to properly plant peonies so that they bloom: location, soil, distance, depth, and seedling selection. We find out when it is better to plant in spring or autumn in open ground and call the timing of planting peonies. Plus, we describe how to care after planting and when they bloom.

Peony planting rules: location, soil, distance, depth

On the Internet, there are not always accurate and correct advice regarding planting flowers. Therefore, we have collected the rules proven by many years of experience in growing peonies, not only by amateurs, but also by scientists who specialize in them in botanical gardens and nurseries throughout the former USSR.

The experts have kindly shared the secrets of agricultural technology with us, and we are sharing with you so that as many people as possible can successfully plant a peony in the garden. After all, these beautiful flowers bring tremendous aesthetic pleasure and cheer you up!

So, for the successful growth and development of a plant, several key factors must be taken into account: place, soil, timing, planting hole, distance, planting depth and the seedling itself.

Place of planting peonies

The flower is very vigorous, it is able to grow for several decades without transplanting and bloom profusely every year. Therefore, you need to choose a place for it with all seriousness.

It should be well lit and warmed up by the sun, protected from drafts. It is advisable that the sun shines on the plant in the morning and in the evening, and a little shading at the peak of the heat will prolong its flowering. Best of all is the eastern side, with the morning sun and daytime partial shade.

• A humid place where there are even short-term stagnations of water (spring / autumn). Flooded roots will start to rot and lead to the death of the flower.
• Shaded place. Shade is contraindicated for herbaceous and tree-like peonies, even if they are heavily shaded for 2-3 hours a day, they will wither away, and you will have to forget about flowering.
• The distance from trees is closer than three meters, and large shrubs and a house are 1.5-2 m. The roots of a tree or shrub will take minerals from the ground, which will result in a shortage of them for a flower. And the walls of the house give off heat and create a temperature difference.

Soil for peonies and acidity

Flowers grow magnificently on soil with a neutral and slightly acidic reaction - pH 6.2-6.8. Therefore, check and normalize the acidity of the soil. Be aware that fertilizing with mineral fertilizers increases acidity.

Treelike and herbaceous peonies love loamy soil with a high level of moisture and air permeability. Add sand and compost to overly clayey soil.

It is not advised to plant in peat soil due to the high level of acidity. Add wood ash, sand, humus, and hydrated lime to reduce it. In more detail, see the section - step-by-step instructions for planting.

At what distance are peonies planted?

Low-growing varieties when planted in a row - 70-80 cm. In other cases - 90-110 cm. And vigorous herbaceous and tree-like varieties - 1.3-1.8 meters. The distance between peonies when planting is important for their further development. Remember that it is better to retreat more than less.

How deep should peonies be planted?

The depth of the upper bud on the rhizome is 3-4 cm (heavy soil) or 5-7 cm (light soil). The golden rule has been proven many times all over the world.

The correct planting depth of peony lays the foundation for successful growth and development. The rhizome of the plant gradually grows upward, and when weeding, the earth is sometimes raked away from the buds, they remain unprotected and suffer from heat or frost.

At the same time, planting too deep provides excellent development but results in no flowering.

For convenience, you can put a board, pull on a rope and navigate along it.

Adjusting the planting depth of the peony

How to plant peonies correctly? Instructions

1. Pit. Cone-shaped, depth - 70-80, width 50-60 cm (tree-like peonies and tall herbaceous ones), and low-growing herbaceous: depth - 60-70, width - 40-50 cm.The roots of a flower can penetrate up to 80-90 cm, but only in loose earth.
   Therefore, if the depth of the pit is shallower, then they will grow to the sides, which is fraught with a lack of moisture and mineral elements.
2. Top dressing layer. 70% of the depth of the pit is filled with a nutritious soil mixture, but so that there is a minimum of 15-20 cm to the surface.
   Composition: humus, sand (except for sandy soils), peat and sod land in equal parts + 100-150 g of superphosphate + 300-350 g of bone meal or wood ash + iron vitriol - 1 tbsp. l.
3. Upper layer. Sprinkle ordinary earth on top, at least 15-20 cm layer, and plant the peony at the correct depth.
4. The soil must be carefully and gently compacted with your hands so as not to damage the kidneys, and then watered abundantly (8-10 liters of water). Then add some wood ash to protect it from drying out.
5. For the first winter, the peony must be prepared: spud it with earth or pour a 10-12 cm layer of peat.

EXPLANATION

DRAINAGE. If groundwater rises close to the roots, then in order to reduce their level in the aisle, they dig a drainage hole and fill it to the top with rubble, pebbles or broken brick. And the flower itself is planted on a high ridge, but at the same time the root collar of the bush should be above the aisle to drain water when the snow melts.

Many articles on planting write about creating drainage at the bottom of the planting pit, but there is no need to do it for herbaceous peonies, but you can do it for tree peonies. Drainage is vital in wetlands, but in principle it is undesirable to plant on them.

FERTILIZERS. Fertilizers during planting play an important role and lay the foundation for good flower development. The roots receive nutrients and fill it with strength.

Phosphate fertilizers must also be added to the top dressing layer so that brown spots do not appear on the leaves over time. When feeding after planting, phosphorus often forms insoluble compounds and settles in the topsoil.

It is better to use organic phosphorus fertilizers (bone meal) than mineral fertilizers (superphosphate), since they decompose more slowly and the plant receives nutrition for a long time.

UPPER LAYER. There should be no fertilizers in the upper layer of the planting pit (15-20), so ordinary loose soil is poured on top so that the roots grow down and oxygen flows to them.

Diagram of a pit for planting a peony

ADVICE

• Experts advise to dig a hole 20-30 days before planting, so that the soil subsides a little. That is, you add drainage (if necessary) to the dug hole, a layer of top dressing, cover it with ordinary earth on top, and after a few weeks you plant a bush at the required depth.
• In order for the roots to take root better, it is better to treat them with a solution of clay or soak them in a growth stimulator (Heteroauxin, Amber acid, Root, aloe juice). Ingredients: natural clay + copper sulphate and "Heteroauxin" - two tablets each. The components are mixed with water ("liquid dough") and the roots of the "delenka" are completely dipped into the resulting solution before planting. Then they are dried for 5-10 minutes.
• Attention! Handle the roots delicately as they are quite fragile.
• It is useful to add rotted weeds, weeded out from clay soil, to the bottom layer of top dressing. It is the clay soil that retains more nutrients, in contrast to sand, peat or podzol.
• If the pH is below 6.5, add 100 grams of hydrated lime to the top dressing layer, and if it is below 6.0, add 200 grams per bush.

How to make planting compost?

In an area well warmed by the sun, make a narrow pile of weeds. Air will penetrate well into it, and aerobic bacteria will develop. If it's not raining, water the compost heap to attract earthworms.

Mineral fertilizers and wood ash are added to the finished compost only at the time of laying the planting pit.

When is the best time to plant peonies in spring or autumn?

Experts believe that a favorable time for planting: August, September or October (depending on the climatic zone). The general rule is that 30-40 days before the onset of frost, the earlier winter comes, the earlier the planting.

By autumn, the plant forms many new roots and becomes stronger, which increases its survival rate. It is also at rest, and it will more easily tolerate manipulations with the rhizome. They are even mailed harmlessly.

Some experts advise that it is the purchased delenki that should be planted in September or October (beginning - middle). With proper care, they hibernate well and grow the next year.

How to plant peonies in the ground in autumn?

Before disembarking, see the weather forecast for 1-2 months ahead to avoid a false start. In recent years, there are often long thaws in late October and early November, so that flowers planted in August can begin to grow.

Approximate planting dates in autumn: August, September and October

• Siberia, Ural: August 20 - September 20.
• Middle Lane, North-West, Moscow Region, Middle Lane: August 25 - September 25.
• South of Russia and Ukraine: September 1 - October 10.

Planting a peony in spring: what to do?

The general recommendation of experts: planting and replanting peonies from August to the end of September, and in spring it is highly undesirable. Such bushes take longer to develop, bloom worse and get sick more often. The risk of planting peonies in the spring is also that the regrown stems are easy to break.

At the same time, many flower growers successfully planted in the spring and believe that the general laws of nature are stronger than individual characteristics. Indeed, nature has maximum strength, and the suction roots grow back, no worse than in autumn.

The opinion of the Flower Festival magazine: "It is better to plant seedlings bought in spring without a pot (with an open root system) in the fall, and with a closed one it is allowed in spring and summer."

When to plant peonies outdoors in spring? The timing

Pay special attention to the deadline. If you still decide, then experts advise planting immediately after the snow melts. When the earth is full of moisture, there is no heat, and the flower has not yet begun to grow. Those who plant in the spring find it better to plant a little earlier than later.

• It is important for the "spring" peony to provide further good care (watering, feeding) - this significantly increases the chances of survival and successful wintering.

How to save peonies before planting in spring?

Often, the roots of herbaceous and tree-like peonies are ordered in Asia (China, Japan) and Europe in winter and early spring, and they do not always arrive at the right time.

If the buds have not started to grow, then the "delenka" is put in a bag and sprinkled with vermiculite or sphagnum, and then in a box with vegetables in the refrigerator for storage.

When the buds are awake and growth has begun, plant the rhizome in a pot (2-3 liters) with strong drainage and a light nutritious substrate. Place in a dark and cool place (4-6 degrees Celsius - cellar, basement) to delay the growing season.

In the spring, dig in the peony on the site along with the pot, and in the fall, transfer it.

2ND OPTION. You can immediately transfer to a permanent place, but there is still minimal risk.

3rd OPTION. When planning to plant in the fall, then after the buds wake up and growth begins, transfer the pot to a bright place in the apartment. Care as a indoor flower.

How to take care at home?

Sprinkle wood ash and sand on top of the potting mix to prevent rot. Provide maximum light (ideally, illuminate for a couple of hours a day until May) and coolness with moderate watering (you can put ice or snow cubes on top of the pot, which will add coolness due to melting).

Inspect the flower weekly. By May - June, suction roots appear, and if you don't want to wait for August - September, then you can plant it in the open field.

• The main thing is moderate watering after the soil surface dries out.
• The maximum period for growing a peony in a pot in a house is one year, since the rhizome will no longer be able to grow normally.

Planting peonies in summer

Many garden centers sell tree peonies in pots in the summer. Experts believe that they can be planted from April to October. But if you want to play it safe or the seedling is not completely healthy, then it is better to wait until August - September. Read about tree peonies at the bottom of the page in a special material.

Caring for peonies after planting

The first spring of growth is a key stage in the life of a plant.

1. From May to mid-June it is necessary to feed him - this is the most favorable period. Best of all is a complex mineral fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer (ammonium nitrate). Pour the nutrient solution into the circular hole - this will accelerate the formation of the root system, contribute to an excellent vegetation and the establishment of renewal buds.
2. It is in the first year of life that experts consider foliar feeding more effective. Sprinkle the flower three times: 1. After the shoots start growing - 30-40 grams of urea / 5 liters of water. 2. After 2-3 weeks, 30-40 grams of urea (carbamide) and a tablet with microelements / 5 liters of water. 3. After 2-3 weeks, two tablets / 5 liters of water.
3. If there is no rain, then it should be watered every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks after planting. And in the future, water the bush during drought is better less often, but abundantly: 10-15 liters per bush. Loosen the soil the next day to provide oxygen to the roots.
4. In the fall, prepare the bush for winter. In September - October, spud a little earth and cover with a 10-14 cm layer of peat (except for acidic soil) or spruce branches. In the spring, the mulch is harvested, and the next fall, they are covered again.

• There is an opinion that the first two years of seedlings do not need feeding. However, experts strongly recommend fertilizing young plants, since they do not have enough nutrients, and they have not yet grown to the bottom of the planting pit.

What year after planting do peonies bloom?

Many gardeners think the plant should bloom in its first year, especially when planted in the fall. However, experts believe otherwise, which is confirmed in practice - usually the bush blooms after planting after two years, and often after three, depending on the variety and care.

Treelike peonies with their own roots bloom in the 4th-6th year, and grafted from the herbaceous species on the 2nd-3rd.

Preparing for flowering

Moreover, early flowering should not be allowed. In the first spring of growth, be sure to cut all flowers after budding so that the plant can develop its root system better. At the same time, do not forget about proper care and watering.

Leave one bud for the second year, and after blooming, cut it as short as possible and examine it to match the variety. In case of incomplete compliance, the procedure must be repeated the next year, and so on until the flower is identical to the varietal characteristics. Often, this happens in the 4th-5th year.

Which is better to take a peony seedling?

It is best to plant a 1-2 year old seedling. You can buy it or grow it yourself from a small "delenka" (2-3 buds and part of the rhizome with completely renewed light (young) roots and large buds). The optimal size of the seedling is 20-25 cm in height, but 10-15 cm is also allowed.

In the spring - in the summer they often sell seedlings of peonies in pots - these are first years, the delenki were planted in the fall, and now they hatch and grow.

An example of a peony sapling from a store

ADVICE

• Better to buy "delenki" from mature bushes. They have an unattractive appearance, large irregularities and sharp edges. Beautiful rhizomes with even outlines, most often from the so-called "shkolki" (bushes up to 4 years old) and it is them that growers buy more willingly, but such "delenki" grow and bloom worse.
• Do not buy overdried "delenki" with dried and blackened buds. Sellers will assure that dormant kidneys will wake up, but remember that this is an extra risk.
• The chances of saving the wilted cut with growth stimulants are minimal.
• Do not buy yellowed tree peony seedlings at a low price - it is more difficult to get a luxuriously flowering bush from a weak and diseased specimen.
• Before buying a seedling, carefully inspect the roots, choose the strongest in appearance.
• Try to study the proposed varieties on the Internet (frost resistance, height and size of the bush, flowering time and their color). Check out especially the varieties with fantastic beautiful names - "Blue Sapphire" does not bloom, blue, and "Black Panther" - black. Read in a separate article about blue and light blue peonies.

Interesting Facts

Few admire the leaves, but they are beautiful and change color three times per season.

ADDITIONS TO THE ARTICLE:

1. HOW TO CARE FOR PEONS IN OPEN GROUND?

2. CORRECT PIONE TRANSFER - ALL FINE!

3. BREEDING HERBAL PIONES - WHAT IS BETTER?

4. LANDING AND CARE OF TREE PIONES - FEATURES!

5. TRANSPORTATION AND REPRODUCTION OF TREE PIONES - FAST AND EASY!

6. SPECIES AND KNOWN VARIETIES OF PIONES WITH PHOTOS AND TITLES!

7. BLUE AND BLUE PIONES - HOW MUCH TRUE?

We wish you to plant the peonies correctly so that they bloom abundantly and brightly!

The spring planting of peonies is not much different from the autumn planting. Although there are still some features ...

Many people believe that peonies can only be planted in August-September, after they have been dug up and divided. But seedlings usually go on sale no earlier than February. What to do? Buy a deal and wait for the arrival of autumn? Of course not! Peonies take root well after planting in the spring. The main thing is to do everything right.

The peony has two periods of regrowth of the suction roots - autumn (August-September) and spring (April-May). It is at this time that it is recommended to plant the plants in the ground.

In the spring, it is necessary to plant peonies until a steady warming begins, so that before the shoots begin to grow, the delenka can take root at least a little.

How to choose good peony rhizomes

Pay attention to the packaging first. A conscientious manufacturer will always indicate:

• variety name;
• a short description of the plant;
• the amount of planting material in pieces;
• a mark on the passage of quality control;
• planting instructions.

After examining the packaging, proceed to inspect the delenka (this is usually easy to do, since peonies are sold in plastic bags with labels attached). It should have 2-3 renewal buds and at least 2 adventitious roots more than 5 cm long. But no traces of damage or signs of disease are important!

It is better to refuse a purchase if:

• the division is wet to the touch or, conversely, too dry;
• the packaging emits a moldy or rotten smell;
• there are growths or nodular thickenings on the rhizome (such planting material can be infected with cancer or affected by a root nematode).

If there are only 1-2 buds on the plot, this does not mean at all that the plant will definitely die. Most often, these peonies simply grow more slowly and bloom a year later.

In this video, we will show you how a good peony cut should look like, ready to be planted in a permanent place.

Planting a peony in open ground

In general, the technology of spring planting of peonies is not much different from the autumn one. The planting hole can be dug in advance so that the soil has time to settle a little. But some growers do this on the day of planting. If you are one of them, then this guide is for you.

Step 1

We dig a planting hole at least 60 × 60 cm in size.Fold the top fertile soil layer separately.

Step 2

At the bottom of the pit we pour drainage (expanded clay, broken brick, river sand, etc.) with a layer of 10-15 cm.

Step 3

We put half of the dug fertile soil, 1-2 buckets of compost or humus, 200 g of superphosphate and 300-400 g of ash into the hole. We mix. If the soil is clay, add a bucket of sand or peat, and if the soil is sandy, add a bucket of clay.

Step 4

Pour the remaining fertile soil on top with a mound so that about 10-12 cm remains to the edges of the pit.

Step 5

We place the peony cut in the center, after straightening the roots (they should be directed downward or to the sides). If the soil on the site is heavy, we deepen the divide by 5 cm, and if it is light, by 7 cm from the beginning of bud growth. To visually check the soil level, you can attach a shovel handle to the pit.

If you deeply deepen the peony, it will not bloom. This is one of the main reasons for the lack of flowering. If, on the contrary, the plant is planted too close to the soil surface, then in winter it may freeze slightly.

Step 6

Gently fill the peony rhizome with earth, slightly compacting it with your hands so as not to damage the buds. In no case should you trample the ground with your feet.

Step 7

We make a roller around the hole from the remaining soil and water abundantly. If the soil has subsided, add more earth.

Step 8

We mulch the hole with peat, humus or a mixture of garden soil and peat (1: 1). This will protect the soil from drying out and create favorable conditions for the rooting of the seedling.

At first, peonies need to be watered every day so that they take root faster. Otherwise, the care is the same as for the autumn planting. And although it is believed that "spring" peonies may lag slightly in growth from those planted in September, but with timely watering, feeding and weeding, you can grow magnificent and healthy bushes.

There are a lot of beautiful flowers, but among them I especially want to highlight peonies. Genuine beauty, brightness, color saturation, graceful shape, pleasant aroma ... All these qualities characterize this plant. If you doubt whether it is worth planting it on your plot of a private house or in the country, then do not hesitate! You will definitely fall in love with this beautiful flower as it brightens your garden with lush bloom. The most popular way to reproduce a flower is dividing the bush, you can get it yourself if you grow a plant in your garden or buy it. This article will tell you how and when to plant a peony seedling in the spring.

Planting dates for peonies in spring

The optimal timing for planting a peony seedling in the spring - the moment the roots grow back, as a rule, falls on April and May, so it is advisable to carry out the procedure at this time.

How to choose peony seedlings

When choosing peonies for planting, it is important to pay enough attention to examining the root system. The number of renewal buds should vary from 2 to 3. It may be possible to root flowers with one or two buds, but their development will be slowed down. The adventitious roots will be needed 5 centimeters long and in an amount of at least two pieces. The bulbs must be healthy and strong, free of wounds and signs of disease. The latter include mildew, lumps, build-ups and growths.

You should not take dried seedlings with already blackened buds - naturally, they will not survive any planting, and even growth stimulants will not help them. It is also not recommended to take exotic blue or black peonies - such species do not exist either in nature or among breeders, which means they will be fake. Finally, it makes sense to avoid prices that are too low - they usually hide behind them. Whether a peony will be able to take root in a new place in spring can be determined by the state of the root system.

If the earthy clod is covered with white roots, then everything is in order.

The following information should be checked on the package: the name of the variety, a brief description of the crop, the amount of planting material, instructions and a mark on the passage of quality control. After checking the packaging, it is necessary to assess the condition of the delenka. This is usually not particularly difficult, since peonies are sold in transparent bags. You should not buy peonies if the delenka feels too dry or wet to the touch, the packaging smells unpleasant, or there is a suspicion of being infected with cancer or root nematode.

The optimal place and soil for planting peonies in spring

When a peony grows in a brightly lit place, then its flowers are large, gorgeous saturated color. A little natural shading at noon does not bring trouble. But the strong is abnormal and uncomfortable for him. It cannot pass without problems and sometimes leads to a complete absence of budding, sometimes even to the death of the plant.

But in relation to the soil, the peony is quite unpretentious, although it does not like acidic soils. By the way! It should be noted that the most remarkable decorative effect is achieved when the peony grows on cultivated soil or loam (soil with a high clay content and a significant amount of sand), which is able to accept and retain water well. If you are going to plant a peony near groundwater, then you must not allow their level to cross the mark at 0.5-0.7 m from the surface at the landing site. This is fraught with decay of the roots of the plant, and, consequently, the death of the bush. In such cases, it is required to raise the flower beds higher, adding soil.

How to plant peonies in spring

If spring is already in full swing, it is the end of April or the first half of May, and you bought peonies, try to plant them as in the fall, but deeper.

When planting in spring, about 20% of healthy seedlings do not take root. In capricious varieties, this percentage is even higher.

• First, dig a 60 × 60 cm planting hole (it is advisable to do this in advance so that the earth has time to settle).
• Lay 10-15 cm of drainage at the bottom of the pit, which can be used as expanded clay, broken brick, coarse sand, sand and gravel mixture, etc.
• Pour half of the dug fertile soil, 1-2 buckets of compost or humus, 200 g of superphosphate and 300-400 g of ash into the hole, mix.
• In the center of the hole, make a mound of fertile soil and place a cut, distributing the roots.
• Fill the peony seedling so that at least 7 cm remains to the surface, carefully compact the soil with your hands.
• Pour a bucket of cold water over the pit, add more soil if necessary and mulch it with peat.
• At first, water the peonies so often that the soil in the pit does not dry out.

Peony care in spring

At first, peonies need to be watered every day so that they take root faster. Otherwise, the care is the same as for the autumn planting. And although it is believed that "spring" peonies may slightly lag behind in growth from those planted in September, but with timely watering, dressing and weeding, you can grow magnificent and healthy bushes.

Over the summer and autumn, the peony should take root, and its roots should develop well. If the roots develop poorly, the apical buds will freeze in winter. However, the plant will recover very quickly and begin to grow back.

Diseases of peonies

Most often, peonies are affected by diseases of a fungal and viral nature. Among the ailments caused by the fungus, the most widespread are gray rot, rust and various types of spotting (Figure 1).

Viral infections are represented by tobacco rattle, strawberry ring spot, raspberry ring spot, cucumber mosaic and alfalfa mosaic.

Note: In general, flowers are not infected by any one virus. Most often, a mixed viral infection is observed, which complicates treatment.

The main reason for the development of fungi is high air humidity. So, crops are affected by gray rot in cold, rainy weather in spring and summer. Damp, warm weather, on the other hand, promotes the development of rust. The factors that increase the risk of fungal diseases are also an excess of nitrogen in the soil and significant shading of the plantings.

Viral diseases affect crops regardless of weather conditions. They can be transmitted from other vegetable and fruit crops such as tobacco, cucumber, raspberries through common gardening tools, soil contact, and spread by insects.

Any ailments of horticultural crops can be identified from the photo, and, accordingly, their treatment can be started depending on the type of pathology and its features.

Peony bloom will come in 2-5 years. It all depends on the quality of the seedling, the correct planting and the type of plant. Terry varieties form a bush for a long time, and you have to wait a long time for their flowering. Treelike peonies Mountain and Roca bloom the fastest. They are unpretentious and suitable for novice gardeners.