July to August
That’s why you should fertilize your peonies regularly
In order for peonies to develop their full bloom, a regular supply of fertilizer is important
© Valeriy_G / Getty Images
Peonies are an asset to any garden. Their colorful, feathery flowers usually appear in their full splendor from mid-May onwards. Regular fertilization is important so that you can enjoy this natural spectacle every year.
In contrast to other plants with large flowers, such as dahlias, the peony is hardy. To be more precise, it is its tubers that can easily survive even sub-zero temperatures underground. To ensure that they have enough energy to sprout again each year (and withstand their own weight), not only is permeable soil important – but also a good supply of nutrients: although peonies are considered easy to care for, the right time is crucial. You can find out below which fertilizer is suitable and what else you should consider when caring for them.
Fertilizing peonies: The right time
An important note in advance: If you have just bought new peonies and planted them in the ground, no separate nutrient supply is yet necessary. It is recommended that the tuberous roots (also called rhizomes) are not fertilized for the first time until one or two years have passed in the garden – ideally once after the winter break, before the first flowering: Depending on whether you have perennial or shrub peonies, the first buds appear between the end of April and the beginning or middle of May. Accordingly, it makes sense to use the fertilizer before this. And then a second time in midsummer, when the plants have bloomed for the last time, i.e. between July and August. Which nutrients are particularly important for peonies and which fertilizers are even suitable will be explained in the next section.
You can use these fertilizers
Even though peonies are easy to care for, they are still sensitive and do not tolerate every fertilizer: In order to provide the perennials with the optimal nutrients, organic and mineral long-term fertilizers are recommended, which are rich in phosphate and potassium, but contain little nitrogen:
Organic fertilizer
The most suitable fertilizers for peonies are organic fertilizers (preferably in Organic quality) with long-term effects. The nutrients required in it must first be broken down by microorganisms so that they are available to the plant. However, this slow process is just right for the sensitive perennials. So that the roots can absorb the fertilizer, it must be carefully worked into the upper layers of soil.
Mineral fertilizer
Blue corn is a mineral fertilizer that can be used for peonies – but with caution. Firstly, there is a risk that you will over-fertilize the plants (if used incorrectly). For this reason, you should always follow the manufacturer’s dosage recommendations. Secondly, the fine balls must be moistened with plenty of water so that the nutrients can be absorbed by the roots. Apart from that, the mineral fertilizer is not as environmentally friendly as an organic fertilizer.
Another tip: You can instead Horn shavings Use – what this is and how to use the fertilizer correctly, you can read in our article.
Which household remedies serve as fertilizer?
Apart from organic and mineral nutrients, there are household remedies that are suitable as fertilizer for peonies: On the one hand, you can use mature compost in the garden. On the other hand, Horse manuregoat or sheep compost is suitable if you have access to it. It is best to spread the natural fertilizer over the soil twice a year (once before the first flowering, once after the last flowering) and then work it into the top layer of soil – for example with a garden claw. Dried coffee grounds are also suitable as fertilizer for peonies that are growing in a pot. Spread these around the root area and then water the soil.
You might also be interested in:
This article contains so-called affiliate links. More information can be found here.