Step-by-step application of fertilizer for peonies in autumn

Peonies

To ensure abundant blooms in the spring, peonies need to be cared for in the fall. This plant begins accumulating nutrients in its roots immediately after flowering. There are several methods and stages of fertilization. These guidelines must be followed, as improper fertilization can harm the plants. Gardeners choose ready-made fertilizers or use traditional methods; there are no restrictions.

Timing and choice of feeding

Since the roots of the plant grow even after the bush has stopped blooming, they continue to accumulate the nutrients needed for the next bloom. These nutrients accumulate in the roots and form thickenings on them. Plants are fertilized with products containing potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Natural fertilizers can also be used.

Note!

The use of nitrogen can reduce the plant's resistance to frost, so it should not be overused and it is better to use only phosphorus and potassium.

Fertilizing methods are determined based on the plant's age and climate. Plants at least three years old should be fertilized. Using fertilizer on young plants can have negative effects. As the plant ages, the amount and frequency of fertilizing should be increased.

Fertilizing begins in mid-September and continues until October 15th. Work should be stopped 1-1.5 months before frost sets in. Fertilizer is selected based on the age of the plant and environmental conditions:

If the soil is sandy and depleted, avoid using large amounts of mineral fertilizers, as this can reduce plant growth. In this case, it's best to fertilize twice, with at least two weeks between applications.
If the soil is slightly acidic and alkaline, it is better to use superphosphate; it helps the formation of foliage and flowers and improves the quality of the soil.
The simplest fertilizers are organic fertilizers containing potassium and phosphorus. These can be used in any soil. They contain a full range of essential nutrients, effectively enriching the soil.

In dry weather conditions, the fertilizer is diluted with water, and if it rains, it is applied dry, otherwise the solution will simply be washed away.

Types of fertilizers and methods of application for peonies

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Mineral fertilizers (potassium, phosphate) can be applied dry or as a solution. Water the soil first, then dig the dry fertilizer into holes 6-8 cm deep around the plant, then water. Apply 20 g of phosphorus and 15 g of potassium to each plant. If fertilizer gets on the plant, it may cause burns.

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Compost has a very beneficial effect on plants. Collect plants that produce humus (leaves, grass, branches, weeds, vegetable peelings) and place them in a compost pit. To improve the compost's properties, you can add manure, compost, or peat moss. These additives can be alternated.

A good folk remedy is rye bread, inexpensive and healthy. Collect about 5 grams of the remaining crusts and soak them in water for 12 hours. After the bread has swelled, dilute the mixture with water and water each bush with 1 liter of water. Take breaks between waterings, otherwise the plant will grow slowly and bloom poorly.

Plants can also be fertilized with other means:

Wood ash is added to the soil at a rate of half a cup per square meter. It is then scattered around the bush and watered. For improved results, you can mix 50/50 ash and bone meal.
High-moor peat is best suited for sandstone soils. Every 4-5 years, spread it around the plant at a rate of one bucket per square meter.
Vermicompost, produced by earthworms, increases the soil's nutritional value. The recommended dosage is 6 kg per square meter.
Green manure crops serve as both protection and fertilizer. These are frost-resistant plants, such as oats, mustard, rye, or wheat. Green manure crops are planted near the bush in the fall and buried in the spring, where they form humus.
Coffee grounds – use half a cup per plant. If coffee is a frequent drinker in the home, this is a fairly economical way to fertilize plants.
Tea leaves – 50-100 g per plant.
Banana peel – chop the peels from 2-3 bananas and scatter them under the bush.

Eggshells are effective. Combine the shells of 20 eggs in one bucket of water. Let them steep for at least three days, then pour 0.5 liters per plant.

Methods of feeding

Peonies use up almost all of their previously accumulated nutrients during the summer. Fertilizing in the fall is essential for beautiful blooms. There are several ways to do this:

Root feeding. The best method is to place the nutrient solution under the roots. Water the soil around the plant and sprinkle the granules. The dissolved substances are then poured onto the roots.
Foliar. This isn't a fall method. With this method, the bush is sprayed when the buds begin to open. Two micronutrient tablets are diluted in 10 liters of water and sprayed in the evenings on cloudy days. Spraying in sunny weather may cause sunburn.
Into a hole. Peonies are repotted rarely, sometimes once every 10-15 years. If they are repotted, fertilizer is added to the pre-dug hole in the fall. The bottom of the hole is filled with a mixture of bone meal and humus.