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(Paeonia spp)
Introduction
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 Paeonies are winter dormant perennial plants that develop a crown below ground level. They prefer a cool climate which gives the southern regions of New Zealand a competitive advantage over the rest of the country. They produce a large flower head in a variety of colours and forms. The range of colours includes white, yellow, and shades of pink, red, and coral.
Paeonies are grown commercially for the sale of their cut flowers and a further business is supplying crowns to new growers. Flowering begins in mid November and finishes in mid to late December. Plants die down in autumn, over-winter below ground and then come away again the following spring. It can take three years from planting until the first harvest of export quality flowers. Full production occurs from year 5 onwards. The fashionable varieties at the present time include: Coral Sunset (coral), Red Charm (red) and Bowl of Cream (white). |
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Growing Paeonies
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Propagation:
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From root/crown divisions.
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Yields/ha:
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5–12 stems per plant when mature; up to 5000 plants/ha possible
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First harvest:
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from 3–5 eye tuber 2 years
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Full production:
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from 3–5 eye tuber 6 years +
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Training/Pruning:
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cut back in winter
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Time of flowering:
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November December in Southland
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Crop protection:
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Windbreak needed as well as FloraNet
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Soil type:
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Soils low in organic matter with good fertility
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Fertilisers:
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Whatever soil requires after a soil test
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Weed control:
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Very important. Pre-emergent sprays have been used in the past
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Pest/Diseases:
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Leafrollers, thrips. Botrytis and other crown rot diseases causing more and more problems
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Harvesting:
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Depending on variety, Paeony flowers are harvested when the buds are still tight. They are stored and shipped at low temperatures.
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Marketing:
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Paeonies are exported overseas mainly to Asia and USA. There is also a ready local market for dried Paeonies but higher prices are obtained fresh.
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Further Info:
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NZ Paeony Society www.nzpaeonies.co.nz
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Related Topics
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