Planting peony rhizomes is preferable in the fall. This is because peonies complete their vegetative cycle over the summer, and fall planting allows them to root well before winter arrives. The optimal time for planting is late September to early October, when the soil is still warm, but the temperatures are low enough to stimulate root formation. Fall planting also helps avoid the stress from heat and drought, which may occur in spring or summer.
Choosing and Preparing the Site:
Soil Type:
Peonies grow well in various soil types, including clay.
Avoid areas where the soil might flood in winter or spring, or dry out in summer.
Frost Resistance:
Peonies are frost-resistant and do not need protection during winter in central Russia.
Cover the plants only in regions with severe and prolonged frosts (below -30°C).
Drainage:
Choose a well-drained site, as spring flooding can cause root rot and the death of the rhizomes.
Preparing the Planting Holes:
Hole Size:
Planting holes should be 40x40x40 cm in size.
Soil Settling:
Prepare the holes and fill them with compost or soil mix 1.5-2 months before planting, so the soil has time to settle.
When planting in clay soils, it's recommended to plant in raised beds, as holes dug and filled with soil mix are likely to flood in the spring.
Raised Beds:
If groundwater is close to the surface or when planting in clay soils, plant peonies in raised beds and ensure extra watering during the summer.
Planting:
Fertilizer:
Use compost and a balanced mineral fertilizer at a rate of 50-80 g per hole.
Rhizome Placement:
Rhizomes should be placed so that the buds are no deeper than 3-5 cm below the soil level.
Peony Care:
Fertilization:
Feed the plants 2-3 times during the season with combined fertilizers.
Nitrogen fertilizers can be completely excluded (this promotes plant health). It's essential to avoid nitrogen after flowering.
Fall Maintenance:
In fall, remove dead leaves and stems in dry and sunny weather. Immediately clear away cut plant parts and avoid contact with the soil.
Water the plants with a bio-fungicide solution to prevent botrytis.
Removing Buds and Cutting Flowers:
First and Second Years:
Any buds that appear in the first year should be removed to allow the plant to strengthen.
Repeat bud removal in the second year.
Third Year:
Expect the first flower cutting in the third year of growth.
Cut flowers higher up, leaving some leaves for photosynthesis and the development of new buds and shoots for the following year.
Remove about 20% of the buds in the third to fourth year of growth.