From our perspective as peony plants, proper nutrition is the cornerstone of our vitality and our ability to produce the magnificent, lavish blooms we are known for. We are heavy feeders, but our needs are specific and timed to our natural growth cycles. Providing the right sustenance at the right time ensures we have the energy to develop strong roots and spectacular flowers.
Our primary need is for phosphorus, the nutrient that directly supports the development of strong roots and, most importantly, prolific and large blooms. We also require a good balance of potassium for overall plant health and disease resistance, and a moderate amount of nitrogen for healthy green foliage. However, too much nitrogen will encourage us to produce excessive leaves at the expense of your flowers. Therefore, we thrive best on a fertilizer labeled with a higher middle number in the N-P-K ratio, such as 5-10-10 or a balanced 10-10-10. We also greatly appreciate organic amendments like well-rotted compost or manure, which feed the soil ecosystem we depend on and provide a slow, steady release of nutrients.
Our feeding schedule is dictated by our growth calendar. The most critical feeding window is in the early spring, just as our red shoots begin to emerge from the soil. This provides the necessary fuel for the rapid growth and flower bud formation that follows. A second, lighter application can be made after we have finished blooming. This post-bloom meal is not for the flowers you just saw, but for us to replenish our energy stores and begin developing the flower buds for *next* year. Please never fertilize us in the late summer or fall, as this can stimulate tender new growth that will be killed by winter frosts, weakening us significantly.
The method of feeding is crucial to ensure we can actually access the nutrients. For granular fertilizers, sprinkle the recommended amount in a circle around our drip line (the area on the ground directly below our outermost stems), taking care to keep the granules a few inches away from our crown to prevent burn. Gently work the granules into the top layer of soil and then water thoroughly. This action dissolves the fertilizer and carries it down to our root zone. When using compost or manure, a 1-2 inch layer can be applied as a top dressing around the plant in the spring, which will also help retain soil moisture. Always ensure we are well-watered before and after any fertilization to facilitate nutrient uptake and prevent root damage.
