Changes in Peony Flower Buds

  Changes in Peony Flower Buds

  The growth and development of peony flower buds in spring is a complex and orderly process involving multiple stages and changes. The following is a detailed explanation of the growth and development of peony flower buds in spring:

  1.Budding stage

Time: As the temperature steadily rises above 4 ℃ in spring, the scaled buds of peonies begin to sprout and expand. The peonies in the National Botanical Garden usually begin to sprout from late February to early March.

Characteristic: The bud scales change from brown during dormancy to purple red or yellow green, indicating that the buds are beginning to sprout. The top 1-3 buds of the branches facing downwards are mostly flower buds. After the flower buds sprout, they quickly grow into current year branches as the temperature rises.

  2.Exhibition stage

Time: Peonies in the National Botanical Garden usually complete leaf display in early to mid March.

Features: At this time, 5-7 compound leaves can be seen on the newly grown branches of peonies, and the petiole elongates synchronously with the new branches, decreasing in length from bottom to top and gradually increasing in angle with the stem. After the leaves gradually spread out, they are evenly distributed around the new branches, and the leaf color changes from purple red to green, becoming mature functional leaves.

    3.Flower bud development stage

Round peach period: From late March to early April, peonies are in the round peach period. The flower bud expands significantly, the inner sepals gradually unfold, the top of the flower bud becomes flat, and the inner petals are not colored.

Pingtao period and dew colored period: In early and mid April, peonies are in the Pingtao period, with petals colored and gradually extending beyond the sepals from a tightly wrapped state to a loose state. At the same time, this period is also accompanied by the appearance of the dew period, where petals begin to show color.

  4.Flowering stage

Initial flowering period: The period when less than 10% of the flowers bloom from the first flower is called the initial flowering period. Peonies in the National Botanical Garden generally have their initial flowering period in early to mid April.

Full bloom period: The period when more than 60% of the flowers on the entire plant are in full bloom is called the full bloom period. Peonies in the National Botanical Garden are generally in full bloom in mid to late April. At this moment, the peony flowers bloom brilliantly and are highly ornamental.

Late flowering period: The period when less than 10% of the remaining flowers in the plant are still open is called the late flowering period. As the temperature rises and the sunlight increases, the peony flowers gradually wither.

  5.Maintenance management

Light: Maintain sufficient sunlight to promote photosynthesis and nutrient synthesis, which is beneficial for new branch germination and later flowering. Pay attention to shading during late spring and avoid strong sunlight exposure at noon.

Watering: Adhere to the principle of seeing dry and wet, keep the soil dry and thoroughly watered, and make the soil contain a certain amount of moisture. Avoid long-term soil drought or excessive water accumulation.

Fertilization: Reasonable fertilization is used to meet the nutrient requirements of peony flowers for rapid growth in spring. Thin fertilizer can be applied every half month, mainly organic fertilizer. After the peony flowers grow steadily in late spring, a little fertilizer with strong fertility can be applied.

Pruning: Timely prune dead branches, old branches, and diseased branches to reduce nutrient consumption, adjust plant shape, and increase ornamental value.

In summary, the growth and development of peony flower buds in spring is a complex and orderly process that requires suitable conditions such as temperature, light, water, and nutrients, as well as reasonable maintenance and management to ensure their normal growth, development, and flowering.