In this newsletter you will find all information that is currently relevant to the crop of peonies. We trust that this information will help you in achieving a successful crop. Feel free to contact us for questions and remarks!

In this newsletter you will find all information that is currently relevant to the crop of peonies. We trust that this information will be helpful in achieving a successful crop. Feel free to contact us when you have questions or comments!

Peony fields in Limburg, the Netherlands

  

Peony cultivation is not done after harvest of flowers!

Fertilization

After flowering, fertilization needs to be aimed on the vegetative growth of the plant, the leaves need to grow and fully mature. The crop which is now on the plant will form the basis of the flower production in the following year. The formation of the flowers will be in August and September. Take soil/leaf samples regularly and in fixed time periods, so that you will get a better view of the needs of the plant.

Normal applications of fertilization kg/ha for peonies on a year basis
(at normal soil values)

  • N- needs 150kg/ha
  • Phosphate, kg P2O5 100 kg/ha
  • Kali, kg K2O 225 kg/ha
  • Magnesium, kg MgO 100 kg/ha

Click here for all the information regarding Fertilization.

Botrytis control

Botrytis control in peonies is a long-term story. Especially when there is no protection after flowering, Botrytis continues to cause major problems. Therefore, spray against Botrytis to ensure that damage from cutting does not causes an infection. When spraying against Botrytis, add some bitter salt to harden the crop somewhat.

In autumn this fungus forms winter spores that hibernates on the border of ground and air. In the spring this is also the place where the infection begins. During this period control is necessary, but it starts in late summer.

Weed control

Weed control in perennials is more a matter of discipline than choice of means. In weed control, almost only the organic matter content is important. A very heavy clay soil with little humus is therefore simply light soil for weed control. The effect of a product without damage is determined by the narrow line between effect and damage.

Most resources work best in the first period after administration. If not sprayed at the right time, a higher dose is needed. However, this considerably increases the chance of damage.

You can spray with a hood under the crop with Corzal SE + Lentegran + Goltix Queen. Goltix Queen gives the best result on a moist surface. Do not spray in sunny weather! Spray in the evening.

Xanthomonas

A quite new infestation in peonies is known as Xanthomonas. Little is known about this bacteria. Especially little is known concerning how this bacteria multiplies and spreads through the plant and how it survives between seasons.

When Xanthomonas occurs, round, purple-red spots appear. Often with a yellow circle. Hybrid species, among other things, are very sensitive to Xanthomonas. Spray preventively with, for example, copper, Serenade or use leaf fertilizers to harden the leaf. And remove the crop residues and weeds after mulching in autumn. In connection with infection for the upcoming season.

Leaf spot diseases

Leaf spot diseases causes more and more problems in the crop of peonies. Leaf spot fungi and Botrytis create different kinds of leaf spots on the peony. Both fungi flourish under warm and humid circumstances and they survive on crop residues.

 

Picture 1: leaf spot infection in a peony, picture 2: Botrytis (left), leaf spot infection (right)

Click here for all the information regarding Leaf spot diseases.

Leatherjackets

Adult crane flies suck just a little bit of nectar. But the larvae of the crane fly, also known as leatherjackets, are much more voracious. They are relatively large, soft and fat and they eat of various plants. Including the stems of the peony just below the ground.

Way of life:

With the crane fly, six stages of development can be distinguished:

  • One egg stage
  • Four larval stages
  • One adult stage

Click here for all the information regarding Leatherjackets.

New planting

The Peony Quality Seal of Green Works:

Peonies from Green Works get our Peony Quality Seal. Green Works’ standards exceeds that of the Naktuinbouw (the National Plant Protection Organisation), because:

  • Our peonies are checked 3 times in the field for viruses and true to name
  • Young and healthy plant material (2 years growth)
  • Guaranteed true to name
  • Free of nematodes
  • Free from invasive roots
  • Dutch grown, from our own nursery
  • We do not cut flowers from our field(s), so all energy goes to the roots
  • Plant material is treated with Green Works Care™ for peonies
  • We sell what we grow (no trading)
  • Healthy plants, well-sized, on average we deliver
    • 2-3 eyes (75 roots per lily crate)
    • 3-5 eyes (50 roots per lily crate)

Click here for all the information regarding New planting.

DCM

Organic fertilizers after flowering

On sandy soils outside it is wise to scatter an extra 300 kg Mix5. Which compensates a part of the leaching. After flowering you can administer the fertilizers in various ways. DCM provides slow-acting organic-mineral fertilizers which fit perfectly in the peony cultivation.

Click here for all the information from DCM.

KaRo

Leaf nutrition instead of spreading after the cut

The peonies have been cut, the growing season has come to an end. High time to pay attention to the restoration and filling of the rhizome for next season’s production. The trick here is not to generate much growth. The idea is to keep the crop green for assimilation and ultimately to transport as many minerals and assimilates from the crop to the rhizome as possible. Potassium and trace elements play an important role.

Click here for all information from KaRo.

When planting peonies in fall 2021; benefits of investing in 3-5 eyes compared to 2-3 eyes:

Number of stems/flowers per plant (2-3 or 3-5 eyes):

Variety Year Amount of stems Amount of stems
    2-3 eyes 3-5 eyes
Sarah Bernhardt Planting in fall: 2021    
  Spring              2022 0 0
  Spring              2023 0 3
  Spring              2024 4 7
  Spring              2025 6 8
  Spring              2026 7 9
  Spring              2027 7 9
  Spring              2028 8 9
    32 45

In the following link you will find our extensive and updated peony assortment of 2021 – 2022:

Peony Catalog 2021 - 2022

Green Works also supplies other summer flower starting material, like: Ranunculus Butterfly™, Ranunculus Romance™, Scilla peruviana and Asclepias Beatrix®.

Also, follow Green Works on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for more relevant information about Helleborus or. Queens™ amongst other things.

Have a look at our product pages for more information regarding our cut flowers, pot plants and peonies.

For more information about our products, please contact: