Pion Is a perennial herb of the peony family. A flower loved by many gardeners, for its beautiful buds and unpretentious cultivation. Peony bushes beautifully decorate flower beds with their decorative spreading leaves, lush flowers and fragrance. Flowering lasts 15-20 days.
Then the petals fall off, and protruding heads remain on the deciduous bushes, which later turn into seed boxes. The first cultivated peonies were the Chinese. In their natural environment, peonies are found in Asia, Europe, America. Today, more than 40 varieties are known, both tree and herbaceous species are found.
When to plant peonies - in autumn or spring
Experienced flower growers still argue about when it is better to plant peonies - in spring or autumn. An unambiguous answer cannot be given, much depends on the condition of the plant itself and the conditions of care after the operation. But still, a more favorable prognosis for good survival in peonies transplanted in the fall.
Peonies are planted in the ground in the fall when the weather is favorable for the plant: the summer heat has already subsided, the autumn rains increased the humidity of the air and moistened the soil. The plant itself rested after flowering, enough nutrients have accumulated in the rhizomes for wintering.
Early autumn frosts are dangerous for peonies, therefore, when planting, it is important to focus on the weather in a particular area.
If the gardener is forced to plant a peony in the spring, then this should be done as early as possible. Ideally, a peony bush is dug out immediately after the snow melts, as soon as the soil thaws. At this time, the plant is only awakening and transplanting is easier.
Peony bushes purchased with a closed root system (growing in pots) can be planted at any time, even in summer. But it is important not to disturb the earthen lump during transplantation. The first time after transplanting, it is necessary to keep the soil moist and cover the peony foliage from the sun.
Useful information about transplanting peonies.
Planting dates for peonies in autumn
Planting peonies in the open ground in autumn is carried out from late August to early October. There should be at least a month before the onset of severe frosts. This time is enough for the peony to take root in a new place.
The peony planted in the fall must be insulated before frost, covering the bush with sawdust, peat or fallen leaves.
Depending on the region
Estimated dates for planting perennials, depending on the region of the country.
Leningrad region
Terrain with heavy damp soils, rainy autumn. Peonies are planted in the last decade of August - early September.
Previously, the area for flowers is drained (they dug diversion grooves for melt and rain water), and a thick layer of drainage material - expanded clay, pebbles and sand - is necessarily poured onto the bottom of the holes.
Moscow suburbs
A region with a milder climate than the northern regions of our country. Here peonies can be planted from the beginning of September to the 20th of this month.
It is useful for a gardener to keep a notebook of observations of the weather, where to mark the onset of frost, thaw, air and ground temperature on different days, the establishment of snow cover, and note unusual natural phenomena. Analysis of records for several years will help to identify the timing of the onset of persistent cold weather in a specific area.
Middle lane
In the Volga region and the middle lane, perennials are planted throughout September. Serious frosts, binding the earth to a depth of 20 cm, come here only in November.
Siberia
A vast region with a wide range of autumn temperatures, from moderately warm to the onset of early frosts. As a rule, it is recommended to plant perennial flowers in the second half of August. At this time, the first frosts may already occur, but there is still time before serious frosts.
The soil around the planted peony must be covered with sawdust or peat, with a layer of 10-15 cm. In winter, it is advisable to make sure that the snow is not blown off the site.
Ural
A favorable time for planting a peony in open ground is from August 25 to September 15.
South
In a region with warm and mild winters, do not rush to plant. In warm autumn conditions, flowers can start growing too early.
Here the plants are placed in open ground at the end of September - beginning of October.
Ukraine
The country's climate is similar to the weather in the Russian south. Accordingly, you can plant peonies in the fall at the end of September.
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Belarus
Depending on the region of the country, in the south or north, perennials are planted in mid - late September.
According to the lunar calendar 2020
For flower growers who coordinate their work with the lunar calendar, it is important to know the dates allowed for working with plants.
- August. Favorable days for planting and pruning plants: from 13 to 22, from 27 to 31.
- September. Allowed numbers for agricultural work: 1 - 6 (up to 17 hours), 10 - 19, 23 and 24, 26 - 30.
- October. The best numbers for planting a peony are 1 - 3, 7 and 8, 10 - 16.
The timing of planting flowers, depending on the variety
Planting dates for herbaceous peony correspond to the recommendations described above. Before transplanting, the plant should recover from flowering, have lush healthy foliage and developed roots.
Peonies do not need to change their growing location frequently. Flowers grow beautifully in one area for several decades. Transplanted, as a rule, bushes for division.
A tree peony is planted in September. These terms are valid for the middle zone, the Moscow region and the south of the country. In areas with severe winters (Siberia, Russian North), this variety of peony is not grown.
Placing peony hybrids in the open ground by AID is carried out from late August to late September. This variety of peonies has the best qualities of the parental forms (tree and herbaceous peony). ITO peonies winter well in a harsh climate, not inferior in unpretentiousness to a herbaceous parent.
The main thing is to give the plant the opportunity to take root before the onset of severe cold weather.
Features of the autumn transplant of peony bushes
Most flower growers are engaged in planting peony bushes only in autumn, this is the time that is considered ideal. The need for an autumn procedure is due to the structure of the root system of peonies. Tuberous formations are formed on the adventitious roots of the plant, in which nutrients accumulate. Nutrition is supplied to them through thin filamentous suction roots. These microscopic root hairs develop actively at the end of the growing season.
Fine root hairs begin to form in late summer
Absolutely all varieties of peonies prefer autumn planting. In the spring, plants are disturbed only in the most extreme cases, when there is no other way out.
In the fall, it is important to have time before the formation of numerous thin suction roots begins, when the foliage stops growing, and the peony itself is at rest. In order for the flower to take root well and thoroughly in a new place, it is necessary to start planting no later than 35–45 days before the first severe frosts. At this time, the heat subsides, the difference between day and night temperatures becomes significant. In addition, autumn rains come, carrying an abundance of moisture. In moist soil, the root system of peonies feels much more comfortable and develops better.
Peonies should be transplanted and planted in the fall
In regions with harsh climatic conditions (Siberia, the Urals), peonies are planted from mid-August to early September. Areas with a temperate climate (Moscow region) can be extended to the end of September. In warm southern areas, planting can be carried out throughout October and even in early November.
Seedlings of peonies with a closed root system (in containers) can be planted in open ground throughout the season.
Seedlings from containers can be planted throughout the growing season
I had a luxurious peony bush of a bright burgundy saturated shade on my site. It was distinguished by the fact that it bloomed earlier than the others, usually the buds opened already in early June. Several years ago in the spring there was an urgent need to remove the plant. I dug up the bush and moved it literally a couple of meters away. It took root very badly, was ill for a long time and did not bloom. Despite my best efforts, the peony died. The roots remained in the old place, and in the spring of the following year, leaves appeared, but there were no flowers. After 2-3 years, the bush grew again and recovered in the same volume in the old place.
Video: when and how to plant peonies correctly
How to plant peonies in autumn
Preparation for working with plants begins with choosing a place for a peony. This issue must be approached with all seriousness. A peony will have to grow in one place for many years; frequent transplants weaken the plant.
Dry and sun-exposed areas are suitable for all types of peonies. It is allowed to place a peony in a lace shade or on an area that is hidden from the sun for part of the day.
Tree peonies are planted under the protection of building walls, fences, or other plants. Delicate plants cannot stand strong gusts of wind and drafts.
Not suitable for a peony:
- a place in dense shade;
- areas open to winds;
- low and swampy beds;
- you can not plant a peony near large trees, the flower will compete for food and water with a neighbor.
The soil for a peony requires loose, breathable, and highly fertile soil. Ideal for peonies loam with an acidity of no higher than 6.5. Humus, clay and peat are added to the soil with a predominance of sand. Heavy soils are corrected by adding sand, perlite. The soil is dug up and enriched with the necessary components 2-3 weeks before planting the flowers.
How to prepare peonies for planting
If the gardener is not going to plant a purchased plant with a closed root system, but a cut obtained from an adult plant, the planting material must be properly prepared.
A good peony cut has:
- from 3 to 5 well-developed growth buds;
- healthy fibrous roots, the ends of which are trimmed, leaving a length of 20 cm;
- the stem of the peony is cut at a height of 20-30 cm.
Before planting, the peony delenki are placed in a raspberry solution of potassium permanganate for 2 hours or in a Fitosporin solution at a dosage, according to the instructions. This measure will eliminate the causative agents of fungal diseases.
After pickling, the cuttings are dried in the shade. Slices on the roots and trunk are sprinkled with crushed charcoal or ash. The peony is ready for planting.
Peony seedlings with a closed root system are not pulled out of the pot in advance and the earthen feed is not destroyed.It is enough to spill the peony abundantly with water so that the root system is saturated with moisture. You can add potassium permanganate to the water.
Stages of planting a peony with rhizomes
- A hole is being dug, 40-50 cm deep. A drainage layer of coarse sand, gravel, crushed stone, broken brick is laid on its bottom, with a layer of 5-10 cm.
- A mixture consisting of equal parts of earth from a pit and well-rotted humus is poured into the center of the landing hole. 150 g of superphosphate, 350 g of bone meal or ash are added to a bucket of this mixture.
- A cut of peony is placed on a mound of fertile soil, spreading the roots of the plant along the sides of the embankment. The planting depth of the peony is such that the growth bud should be covered with soil by 4-5 cm.
- Holding the peony with one hand, with the other, fill the hole with soil, squeezing it well around the seedling.
- When the plant is covered, a roller of soil is formed around it. After planting, the peony must be watered, spending at least a bucket of water per bush. If, after watering, the soil has settled in places, the earth is poured.
- After watering, it is necessary to mulch the soil surface with peat or humus so that a crust does not form.
Landing scheme
A useful video about planting peonies in the ground in the fall from the Sadovy Mir canal.
About late planting of peonies
Planting tree peonies
A planting pit for a tree peony is prepared in the same way as for a grassy one. Only its dimensions are larger - 70 cm wide and the same depth. A peony seedling is placed in the hole so that the renewal buds are on the surface of the earth, and the graft is 10-12 cm underground.
Simultaneously with the planting of the peony, a strong stake is driven into the hole to support the seedling.
After planting, the peony is watered and mulched.
Planting peonies with seeds
This breeding method is not popular with amateur flower growers because of its laboriousness. In addition, peony hybrids do not transmit their traits through seed propagation. But enthusiasts and peony breeders, striving to get new interesting specimens of flowers, resort to seed planting of a peony.
On a note. Peony seeds sprout gradually over the course of 2-3 years. In the first year, no more than 30% of the seeds will sprout, provided that only fresh seeds were planted. The plant will be ready for flowering only for 6-7 years.
The easiest option is to sow the seeds in the ground immediately after collecting them from the peony. This is done in August and early September.
For peony seeds, a bed is prepared, clean of weeds and with fertile loose soil. The seeds are immersed to a depth of 4-5 cm. The bed is well moistened.
Before the beginning of winter, the seedbed is covered with sawdust.
Errors and their warning
Gardeners often buy peony shoots in late winter, early spring. At the same time, beginners make a huge mistake that can destroy plants: they store them before planting in inappropriate conditions.
Peony is a perennial plant that needs a “cold start” (also applies to hybrids). This means that the seedlings will begin to grow the rhizome only at low soil temperatures (from 0 to +10 degrees). If you keep it on a heated windowsill or near a radiator, it will give a lot of kidneys. This may seem like a good sign initially. However, such shoots die quickly. This happens because at high temperatures all nutrients from the soil go to the aboveground part (foliage). The roots quickly exhaust the remaining reserves and die.
In order not to harm the flowers, they are wrapped in plastic wrap, placed in the vegetable section of the refrigerator or in a cool cellar at a low above zero temperature. You can also bury the cuttings in a snowdrift on the north side of the building. It is recommended that they be under the snow until it melts. You should not worry about the shoots, this natural storage method will not harm the plants.
When the soil warms up a little, the peonies are planted on a distribution bed. From above they are mulched with peat.By the fall, the shoots will root well, they will perfectly transfer the transplant to a permanent place.
Amateur gardeners make mistakes, due to which peonies do not give buds at all or do not dissolve them. The most frequent ones are:
- the growth point is placed too deep in the ground (deeper than 5 centimeters) or, on the contrary, is high above the ground (at a distance of 2-3 centimeters);
- the bushes are planted in a too shady or humid place;
- delenki are very small in size;
- the seedlings are too large, the nutrients in the soil are not enough for flowering;
- the plant is too old, it needs a transplant with division;
- soil with high acidity, it must be reduced by adding lime or wood ash;
- a large amount of nitrogen fertilizers were applied;
- in the spring, the buds were frozen (the plant must be mulched for the winter);
- the leaves were cut early in the previous year;
- the plant was struck by rot, because preventive measures were not taken;
- last season, the flower was poorly watered and fertilized.
Peony care
The first time after planting, they monitor the moisture of the soil, regularly watering the flower. It is especially important not to dry out if the autumn is dry and warm.
Before the onset of stable frosts, when the daytime temperature drops to +5 .. + 7 degrees, the bushes are covered with sawdust or shavings, loose peat. Under such a blanket, the peony cuttings will withstand the long winter without loss.
On a note. Fertilizers applied when planting a plant will last a flower for 3 years. There is no need to feed him additionally at this time.
Today we examined the features of planting peonies in the fall in the ground, as well as the choice of planting dates depending on the region and according to the lunar calendar. Bright flower beds to you!
