White peony prefers a warm and humid climate, with ample sunlight. It is not tolerant of high temperatures or cold weather. This plant has a high level of adaptability, making it suitable for various growing conditions, provided certain requirements are met.
1. Light Requirements: Studies have shown that light plays a crucial role in the germination of white peony seeds. Sufficient sunlight promotes healthy shoot growth and thick root development. In shaded conditions, plants tend to be shorter, with smaller leaf surface areas and thinner main roots. Ensuring adequate light during the growing season is essential for quality yield.
2. Temperature Needs: White peony can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its germination is most effective between 10°C and 25°C. At constant temperatures, the germination rate drops significantly. During winter, seedlings can survive at temperatures as low as 6°C to 8°C if the soil remains moist. In northern regions, the above-ground parts may die back, while the roots remain alive. In southern areas, the above-ground parts may survive the winter, though growth is slower. During hot summers, yellowing and wilting can occur if the plant is stressed.
3. Moisture Demands: White peony requires consistent soil moisture but is sensitive to both drought and waterlogging. Lack of water after sowing can delay seedling emergence, leading to weak growth. In winter, dry conditions increase the risk of frost damage. During the vegetative stage, more water is needed, but excessive moisture in later stages can cause root rot. Insufficient water can lead to root lignification, which negatively affects the quality of the medicinal herb.
4. Soil Conditions: The ideal soil for white peony is deep, loose, and well-drained, such as sandy loam or alluvial soil. Clayey or compacted soils can result in shorter, more branched roots, reducing both yield and quality. Proper soil preparation is vital for root development and overall plant health.
5. Phenological Stages: White peony is typically sown in the fall. Under favorable conditions, seedlings emerge within 15 to 20 days. The early growth is slow, and the plants overwinter. In the second year, they enter the vegetative growth phase, reaching peak growth from April to May. Root growth is most rapid from late April to June. By mid-July, the plants begin to yellow and die back, transferring nutrients to the underground roots. This is the best time for harvesting. In late August, new leaves appear, and the plant enters the reproductive stage in the third year. Flowering begins in late April, with blooming from mid-May to early June. Seeds mature from late June to mid-July. However, plants that flower and produce seeds often experience root lignification or rot, making them unsuitable for medicinal use. Fresh seeds harvested in the same year have a germination rate of 70% to 80%, while older seeds may fail to germinate.
White peony is usually harvested after 2 years, but some fields are harvested after 3 years for better quality.
Site Selection and Preparation: White peony is not highly selective about previous crops, and even areas where it was previously grown can be used again. However, it's best to choose a site with flat terrain, good sunlight, deep plowing, loose and fertile soil, and good drainage. After the previous crop is harvested, apply compost or manure (2500–5000 kg per mu), along with 100 kg of cake fertilizer and 50 kg of phosphate fertilizer as base fertilizer. Plow the soil to a depth of more than one foot, then let it weather in the sun before plowing again. Deep plowing ensures even distribution of nutrients throughout the soil layers. After leveling, create raised beds about 15–20 cm high and 1–2 meters wide, ensuring a smooth surface for drainage. The topsoil should be finely tilled to make it easier for seedlings to emerge.
Propagation Methods: White peony is mainly propagated by seeds, and direct sowing is preferred over transplanting. Transplanted plants often develop more branched roots and less developed main roots, which can reduce yield and quality.
Sowing Time: Sowing time is critical for achieving high yields. Early sowing can lead to premature bolting and flowering in the second year, resulting in poor-quality roots. Late sowing may delay germination and expose seedlings to freezing temperatures. Fresh seeds harvested in the same year have higher germination rates, so autumn sowing is generally recommended. Spring sowing leads to lower yields and poorer quality. The optimal sowing time varies depending on local climate and soil fertility. Warmer regions can sow later, while cooler areas should sow earlier. Fertile soils can also be sown later.
Autumn Sowing Times: - Henan: Before and after the Autumnal Equinox - Hebei: Between Summer Solstice and White Dew - Sichuan: Between White Dew and Vernal Equinox - Zhejiang: 10 days before Cold Dew - Generally, Autumn Equinox to Cold Dew is ideal for warmer regions.
Spring Sowing: March to April is the typical window for spring sowing.
Sowing Methods: There are several methods for planting white peony seeds:
1. Drilling Method: Commonly used in Zhejiang, Henan, and Hebei. Spacing is 25–30 cm, with shallow furrows (about 4–5 cm deep). Seeds are evenly sown and covered with a thin layer of fine soil. Approximately 1–1.5 kg of seeds are used per mu.
2. Spot Sowing: More common in Sichuan. Holes are spaced 30–35 cm apart, with 23–27 cm between holes. Each hole contains 7–10 seeds, using 0.5–0.8 kg per acre.
3. Broadcasting: Used in Zhejiang. Seeds are spread evenly on the prepared bed, then covered with a thin layer of soil and straw. This method is now rarely used.
Before sowing, seeds can be soaked in warm water overnight or mixed with sand for 1–2 days. Some growers spray 2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution on the seeds for 8 hours to enhance germination. This improves emergence rates and results in stronger, healthier seedlings. Seedlings usually appear within 15–20 days. Mulching can advance emergence by about 10 days and improve uniformity, increasing the emergence rate by 4%. However, mulching is not necessary if sowing is done at the right time and no adverse weather is expected.
After sowing, a thin layer of fine soil is applied, and the area is lightly pressed to ensure good contact between the seeds and soil. Straw or mulch is then spread over the field. Alternatively, diluted manure and livestock water (about 1000 kg per acre) can be applied, followed by a mix of straw and manure to cover the seeds and prevent exposure. A board or light treading is used to press the soil slightly, aiding germination.
Field Management:
1. Thinning Seedlings: White peony grows slowly, and seedlings usually emerge in the second year. When seedlings reach 5–7 cm in height, the first thinning is done, removing weak or sparse plants. Drill spacing should be 5 cm, with 5–8 shoots per hole. A second thinning is performed when seedlings reach 15 cm, leaving 1–3 shoots per hole. Thinning helps promote healthy root development and prevents overcrowding.
2. Weeding: Weeding should be done carefully, especially when seedlings are small. Hand-pulling or shallow hoeing is preferred. As the plants grow and the ridges close, weeding becomes unnecessary. Care must be taken not to damage the main root during weeding, as this can lead to disease.
3. Fertilization: Fertilization should be limited before spring to avoid excessive growth and premature bolting. After spring, 3–4 top-dressings are recommended. The first two applications occur after seedlings emerge, and the last two are done before mulching. Fertilizers like human manure, cake fertilizer, and urea can be used. The initial application should be diluted, gradually becoming more concentrated. Phosphatic and potash fertilizers can be applied once before ridge sealing to promote strong root development.
4. Irrigation: Watering is important, especially after sowing. If the soil is dry, water immediately. Keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge, which helps with faster and more uniform growth. Avoid waterlogging, as it can cause root rot. In winter, irrigation is necessary to prevent freezing. In Hebei, it is said that “dry soil is better than frozen soil.†In spring, timely watering is crucial, especially during the flowering period.
5. Removing Bolting Plants: Some plants may bolt and flower in the following year, making their roots unsuitable for medicinal use. These plants should be removed promptly to conserve nutrients and maintain plant quality.
Appendix: Preventing Early Bolting: Early bolting is a common issue in white peony cultivation, affecting up to 10–30% of plants. This reduces yield and quality. Traditional practices and scientific research suggest several methods to reduce bolting, including proper pruning, selecting high-quality seeds, and managing plant growth. Pruning the main stem and secondary inflorescences during flowering helps ensure even seed development and improves future germination and growth. These techniques can reduce the bolting rate to 3–5%, significantly improving yields and profitability.
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