Peonies are small, deciduous shrubs known for their fragrant, cool, hot, and humid aroma. They thrive in both sunny and shaded conditions. In the Central Plains, peonies typically bloom from mid to late April, while in colder regions, flowering is delayed, sometimes until June. After blooming, peonies enter a crucial growth phase where flower buds begin to differentiate. This process usually starts in late May to mid-June, moving from south to north, and can last until October or November, depending on the variety and local climate.
Summer is a critical time for peony growth, as it's when vegetative development and flower bud formation occur. However, this season also brings challenges like pests, diseases, weeds, drought, and flooding. Proper summer management is essential to ensure strong, healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
The main goal of summer peony care is "protect and promote" — protecting the leaves and roots, and promoting growth and flower bud differentiation. Key practices include:
1. **Pest and Disease Control**: High temperatures and humidity during summer create favorable conditions for leaf diseases and pests. Prevention is key.
- Apply a foliar protectant, such as 0.5% Bordeaux mixture, about two weeks after flowering. This helps prevent bacterial infections and lasts around two weeks. It should be applied 2–3 times, with about 100–150 kg per mu.
- Spray fungicides like thiophanate-methyl, carbendazim, chlorothalonil, or triadimefon from July to August, every 7–10 days for 3–4 applications.
- Combine insecticides like pyrethroids or omethoate with fungicides to control feeding pests.
2. **Irrigation and Drainage**: Summer rainfall can be heavy and concentrated, making drainage vital. In some areas, irrigation may also be necessary.
- Prepare drainage ditches before the rainy season and install flood barriers in low-lying areas.
- After heavy rain, drain water quickly through deep cultivation or increased tilling.
- Remove underground compaction layers that hinder drainage, which can lead to root rot and plant death. Dig deeper drains or drill holes between rows to improve water flow.
3. **Fertilization**: Adequate nutrients and water are essential for summer growth. Apply balanced compound fertilizers (N:P:K ratio of 2:2:1 or 2:1:1) at 15–20 kg per acre. Foliar sprays of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.2–0.5%) or other liquid fertilizers can also be used to supplement nutrition.
4. **Weeding**: Summer is a peak time for weed growth. Weeds compete for water and nutrients, reduce air circulation, and increase disease risk. Cultivate 5–6 times during the season. Alternatively, interplanting hay between rows can suppress weeds, maintain soil moisture, and regulate temperature in well-drained gardens.
Proper summer care ensures peonies grow vigorously, remain healthy, and produce beautiful, colorful blooms in the following season.
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