How to transplant peonies so they bloom next year

Those who grow peonies know that they can survive for up to 10 years without replanting. However, those looking to propagate a bush should pay attention to recommendations on how to replant peonies to ensure they bloom the following year. Here's the best way to do it.

 

 

 

Some recommendations

 

First of all, you need to choose the right time. Early September and late August are considered the most favorable. However, much also depends on climate conditions. For example, in the southern part of our country, if the weather is dry and warm, peonies should be replanted before early October. However, experts advise against this if there has already been frost or rain. Cold soil can kill the plant. It's better to wait until spring, when the snow has melted, and then replant.

 

However, experts advise against planting peonies in the spring or propagating them for propagation. Many shrubs will become diseased and are unlikely to bloom this year. Gardeners recommend replanting at this time only in the event of significant pest infestations or if moles and mice are gnawing at the roots. Growing peonies in late spring, for example, during the warm days of April and May, is not recommended, as the heat can scorch the young shoots. New shoots have not yet emerged from the rhizomes. Therefore, it's best to wait until the hot period ends and begin replanting then. New shoots usually appear on the rhizomes as early as August. Repotting is recommended at the end of this month.

To replant peonies, prepare holes two weeks in advance. The depth should be up to half a meter, with a distance of one meter between holes. The bottom is usually covered with sand or small pebbles. Then, water the soil several times to settle it. Various fertilizers can be used, especially if the rhizome is being planted for the first time. Peonies prefer black soil mixed with ash, sand, peat, manure, and other ingredients. Some gardeners add urea and copper sulfate. Then, fill all the holes with the fertilizer mixture and mix it well.

 

If you replant ready-made peonies, you need to trim the top, leaving stems about the size of a palm. Then, using a pitchfork (not a shovel), carefully remove them and place them in the holes. A shovel shouldn't be used for this purpose, as it can kill the plant, especially if it's over 8 years old. At this age, the root system becomes very sensitive and weaker.

The roots must be dug around very carefully. If there's even the slightest obstruction, increase the distance from the stems. Once the plant is dug up, inspect its root system. If there's any rot or damage, remove it. Then, the damaged areas should be treated with potassium permanganate. You can even treat the entire root system with a weak solution of slightly pinkish potassium permanganate. Disinfection won't harm the plant and will kill pests and various infections.

 

If you're replanting peonies in the spring, there's no need to treat them with potassium permanganate. Inspect the rhizome in the spring. If it has six or more shoots, the plant is suitable for propagation and replanting. You can form two or more independent peony bushes from it. Each new root should have three buds. This increases the chances that the plant will take root and delight you with new, beautiful peonies. If there's rot on the cut surface, it should be treated with a potassium permanganate solution.

 

Once you've planted the plant in the hole, the bud should be at a depth of 3 centimeters. If you plant it too high, it may freeze; if you plant it too low, it won't take root. Now you can carefully cover it with soil, water it frequently, and wait for the first shoots to appear in the spring.

Also, pay attention to the plant's characteristics if you buy it in a store. The manufacturer usually provides information on the packaging about how to properly repot the peony, as well as the variety, care, and cultivation requirements. Cold-hardy varieties with high frost immunity are considered the most resilient. However, this doesn't mean that these types of peonies can be planted in late fall or early spring, before the soil freezes. Although peonies are considered easy-to-grow, their roots are very delicate and easily susceptible to various damage, diseases, and pests. Therefore, any damage, even minor, should be treated with potassium permanganate. This will ensure the plant's strength. If you accidentally damage a root during repotting, you should also carefully treat it and water the plant more frequently. Typically, peony soil is well fertilized and compacted by hand after planting. This will help the peony take root and delight you with fresh shoots in the spring. Also, avoid planting it too deeply, deeper than 5 centimeters, as the plant will likely not bloom. Well, if the roots are healthy and you did everything correctly, you can expect peonies to appear in the spring.