Okay, here’s my sharing about how I take care of my peonies in the spring, based on my own experience.
Springtime is here, and you know what that means – it’s time to get those peonies ready for a killer bloom! I’ve been growing these beauties for years, and I’ve learned a thing or two about how to give them the love they need in the spring.
Waking Up the Peonies
First thing’s first, I gently clear away any winter mulch or debris that’s been covering the plants. I usually pile up some leaves or straw around the base in the fall to protect them from the harsh cold, and I need to remove that stuff now so the plants can breathe and see the sun. Gotta be careful, though, ’cause you don’t want to damage those fresh, new shoots that are just starting to pop up. I just use my hands, no sharp tools, to avoid any accidental damage.
Feeding Time
Next up, it’s feeding time. Once those shoots are a few inches tall, it’s time to give them a good meal. I sprinkle some well-balanced fertilizer around the base of each plant. Nothing fancy, just a regular 10-10-10 mix works fine. I make sure not to let the fertilizer touch the stems directly, as that can burn them. After spreading the fertilizer, I gently work it into the top layer of soil with a hand rake or just my fingers.
And of course, I always give them a good drink of water after fertilizing. This helps the nutrients soak into the soil and reach the roots. I just use my trusty watering can.
Supporting the Growth
As the plants grow taller, I start thinking about support. Peony blooms are big and heavy, and without something to lean on, the stems can bend or even break under the weight. So, I set up some stakes and tie the stems loosely to them. You can use those fancy peony hoops, but I just use some sturdy bamboo stakes and some soft twine. I make sure not to tie them too tight, though – gotta give those stems room to sway a little in the breeze.
Keeping an Eye Out
- Watch out for late frosts. Sometimes, we get a surprise cold snap in the spring. If that happens, I cover my peonies with some old sheets or blankets overnight to protect them.
- Keep the plants well-watered, especially during dry spells. I try to water them deeply once a week, more often if it’s really hot and dry.
- Deadhead spent blooms. Once a flower starts to fade, I snip it off right below the flower head. This keeps the plant looking tidy and encourages it to put its energy into producing more blooms.
- Watch for any signs of disease or pests. If I see any funky spots on the leaves or any bugs munching on the plants, I take action right away. There are lots of natural remedies you can use.
That’s pretty much it! It’s not rocket science, just some simple steps to make sure my peonies are happy and healthy. By following these steps, I usually get a fantastic display of blooms every year. It’s so rewarding to see all that hard work pay off!
