Sprinkle the fertilizer around the base of each plant, keeping it about 6 inches away from the crown to avoid burning the roots. Water the area well to ensure the nutrients are absorbed into the soil.
4. Divide And Replant Crowded Clumps Before Growth Takes Off
If your peonies have been in the same spot for several years and the blooms are becoming sparse, it might be time to divide and replant them. This should be done in early spring before the plants start to grow vigorously.
Carefully dig up the entire clump and use a sharp knife to divide it into sections, each with at least 3-5 eyes (buds). Replant the divisions, ensuring the eyes are no more than 2 inches below the soil surface to encourage proper blooming.
5. Reset Planting Depth If Crowns Are Too Deep Or Too Exposed
Improper planting depth is a common reason why peonies fail to bloom. If the crowns (where the shoots emerge) are planted too deep, they may not flower well. Conversely, if they are too shallow, they can be exposed to damage.
Check the depth of your peony crowns and adjust as necessary. Ideally, the crowns should be 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Carefully lift and reposition the plants if needed, making sure to water them thoroughly afterwards.
6. Install Support Rings Now Before Stems Get Too Tall
Peony stems can be quite fragile, especially when weighed down by large blooms. To prevent them from flopping over, install support rings early in the season before the stems become too tall.
Place the rings around the plants when the shoots are about 6-12 inches high. As the peonies grow, the stems will naturally weave through the support, keeping them upright and healthy.
7. Prune, Pinch, And Disbud Strategically For Bigger Blooms
To encourage larger and more impressive blooms, practice strategic pruning and disbudding. Pinch off side buds when they are small, leaving only the terminal bud at the end of each stem. This will direct the plant’s energy into producing fewer but larger flowers.
Additionally, remove any weak or damaged stems to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. This focused approach will result in healthier plants and more spectacular blooms.
8. Water Smart: Deep, Infrequent Soaks To Power Bud Formation
Peonies require consistent moisture, especially during bud formation, but they do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. Provide deep, infrequent waterings to encourage root development and strong stems.
Water the plants deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not saturated. This approach will help the peonies establish a strong root system capable of supporting large blooms.
9. Protect Tender Shoots From Late Frosts, Pests, And Disease
Even as spring approaches, late frosts can still threaten tender shoots. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and cover your peonies with a light blanket or frost cloth on particularly cold nights.
Inspect the plants regularly for signs of pests such as aphids or fungal diseases like botrytis blight. Remove affected foliage and consider using an appropriate pesticide or fungicide if problems persist. Ensuring your peonies are healthy and protected will lead to a more successful blooming season.
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