Reproduction of peonies by seeds is used only in breeding work, since this method is quite labor-intensive. Ordinary gardeners obtain new plant specimens by dividing the bush. The most favorable period for this comes towards the end of summer. Peonies can be replanted and divided even at the beginning of September. In this case, several important rules must be observed.
Suitable plant age
The peony bush intended for division should not be too young or old. Typically, adult specimens are selected at the age of 4–5 years, which have already bloomed several times. The plant must be strong, well-groomed and healthy, because further adaptation takes a lot of energy from peonies. They need to settle down in a new place and grow their own roots.
Mid-August is the most suitable time for dividing and replanting peonies. At this time, there is no longer sweltering heat, but the plants will have time to take root well before frost. Planting pits for delenks are prepared in advance (about 3 weeks in advance).
Proper bush extraction
An adult peony bush has a well-developed root system. You need to dig up the plant so that the roots are not damaged during the manipulation. First, the bush is dug in a circle, moving 20–25 cm away from the base of the stems. Then a pitchfork or shovel is brought under the root system and the plant is carefully removed along with the earthen lump.
After this, you need to cut off all the stems with pruning shears, leaving small stumps. This must be done, because peonies have a large volume of leaf mass, and weak roots will not be able to properly nourish the plant after replanting.
The rhizome is washed in water and left for 4-5 hours in the shade to dry, and then cut into pieces using a large sharp knife. There should be 3–5 buds left on each division. A piece of rhizome with 1-2 points is also useful. Such trimmings are planted separately for growing.
Preparing cuttings for planting
Washed and dried cuttings should be inspected. If rotten areas are identified, they are cut out to healthy tissue. On each part of the rhizome, 2–3 powerful roots are left, the remaining roots are cut to a length of 10–12 cm. After this, the rhizomes are soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate or fungicide for 20–30 minutes.
The sections are sprinkled with charcoal powder. Before planting, the divisions are kept in the air for a day in the shade. If you plan to transport peonies for planting in another area, the rhizomes are dipped into a clay mash and dried before transportation. The cuttings are planted in holes with a depth and diameter of 50–55 cm. After planting, the top bud on the root collar should be 3–5 cm below the soil level. The plants are lightly hilled and watered.
