Spring is the key period for Paeonia suffruticosa to transition from hibernation to growth. For newly planted tree peonies in the first year, there is only one core spring management—slow germination and root nurturing. At this time, the root system has not yet stabilized. It is essential to avoid flower greed, heavy fertilization, and diligent watering. Only by doing the following 4 things can the chinese tree peony peonies safely pass through the slow germination period and lay a good foundation for subsequent growth.
1.Watering: Better dry than wet,
In the first year, tree peonies‘ fleshy roots are the most vulnerable to flooding. Watering is the most important part of spring management. Remember the principle of “Better dry than wet, water through than wet.”
2.Trim: Mainly cut lightly, not allowing flowers to bloom
In the first year, chinese tree peonies focus on nurturing their roots, and pruning should be “light,” focusing on three tasks: budding, budding, and pruning.
- The bud is key: the root system is damaged, the absorption capacity is weak, and let it bloom as little as possible in the first year.
- Germinalization to reduce consumption: timely breaking off the weak foot shoots and over-dense new shoots at the root neck, preserving 3-5 strong main branches, reducing nutrient competition;
- Timely pruning of diseased branches: Check the plants after spring, pruning off dead branches, diseased branches, and frostbitten branches, trim the mouth and apply healing agents to prevent bacterial invasion.
4.Fertilizer: Use thin fertilizer diligently, avoid heavy fertilizer
The root system of the tree peonies did not recover in the first year. Heavy and concentrated fertilizer were prohibited, following the principle of “thin and diligent fertilization”.
- Before germination: If no base fertilizer has been applied in winter, a small amount of rotten pancake fertilizer or slow release compound fertilizer can be buried at 15 cm from the root, preferably in small quantities (30-50 g per plant), to avoid burning the root;
- After spreading the leaves: 1,000 times Monopotassium phosphate can be sprayed once to promote the robustness of the leaves, and root fertilization is not recommended;
- After flowering period: In the 10 days after flowering, add nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium composite fertilizer once to replenish the nutrients consumed by flowering, storing energy for growth next year.
The core of Paeonia suffruticosa spring management in the first year is “stability,” not rushing to bloom, not blindly fertilizing, nurturing the root system, only then can it be allowed to flourish and bloom profusely in the following years. Patiently nurture, quietly wait for the flower to bloom
