Peonies, also known as ‘Polish Rose’, are the heavy feeder flowering plants. That indicates they require more fertilizer than ordinary flowering plants to thrive and generate more blooms.
So, if you want to get healthy, glossy, bushy peonies that can grow lots of vibrant, beautiful flowers, you have to feed them with the best peonies fertilizer regularly.
But what is the best fertilizer for peonies?
Liquid, granular, or spike type of fertilizer that carries a higher quantity of phosphorus than nitrogen and potassium are perfect for peonies. The best peonies fertilizer should also contain some other micro and macronutrients.
In this article, I have listed and reviewed the top 7 best fertilizer for peonies that may assist you to determine the suitable fertilizer for your peonies plants to enhance the number and size of blooms.
So without further ado, let’s dive into deep-
In A Rush? Here is the Editorial recommendation for your peonies-
Best Fertilizer for Peonies-Comparisons
| Fertilizer | NPK | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espoma PT18 Plant Tone | 5-3-3 | Organic | |
| Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Food | 15-30-15 | Inorganic | |
| Jobe's Organics 09627 Organic Fertilizer | 3-5-5 | Organic | |
| Scotts Super Bloom Water Soluble Plant Food | 12-55-6 | Inorganic | |
| BR-61 Plant Food | 9-58-8 | Inorganic | |
| Dr. Earth 707P Bud & Bloom Fertilizer | 3-9-4 | Organic | |
| Jack's Classic 10-30-20 Blossom Booster | 10-30-20 | Inorganic |
Best Fertilizers for Peonies-Reviews
1.Espoma PT18 Plant Tone
It contains an NPK ratio of 5-3-3 that indicates 5% of nitrogen, 3% of phosphate, and 3% of potash.
Good news;
It includes 0.4% of Ammonical Nitrogen, 1.6% of water-soluble Nitrogen for a quick feeding, and 3.0% of water-insoluble Nitrogen for continuous feeding. Also, All 3% of potash is water-soluble that feeds quickly to the plants.
Don’t worry, It includes other nutrients such as 3% of calcium, 1% of MAgnesium (0.6% of it is water-soluble), 1% of sulfur.
All the components are derived from feather meal, bone meal, poultry manure, alfalfa meal, greensand, sulfate of potash, and sulfate of potash magnesia. Although I could not find any organic certification as you can see this fertilizer includes 100% natural & organic elements with no sludges and fillers.
It also includes non-plant food ingredients like Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus pumilus, and 1% of humic acid derived from Leonard.
Use once per month throughout the growing season by spraying onto the soil around the drip line. Always water after applying to get desired blooms.
2.Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food
It contains an NPK ratio of 15-30-15 that means 15% of nitrogen (5.8% of ammonical nitrogen and 9.2% Urea Nitrogen), 30% of phosphate, and 5% of water-soluble potash that makes it perfect for boosting peonies flower.
You will be surprised to know that,
It includes an immense quantity of other nutrients. Such as 0.02% of Boron, 0.07% of Water-soluble Copper, 0.15% of Chelated iron, 0.05% of Chelated Maganese, 0.0005% of Molybdenum, 0.06% of water-soluble Zinc.
You will be happy to know, chelated coat of micronutrient protect the nutrients from soil reactions and keep them always available for plants.
All of these nutrients are derived from inorganic chemical sources. So it is an inorganic fertilizer.
The fertilizer is specially crafted to hold more phosphorus. This is important to develop a healthy root system. Most fertilizer manufacturers accept this is the start of producing wonderful blooms.
You may notice that the nutrients have been coated for quick release that works almost immediately when you use it. So, it may be called the best water-soluble fertilizer for peonies.
You can also apply it for potted plants, and window boxes. If you have flowers in a field setting, you can also sprinkle this fertilizer right on the ground.
3.Jobe’s Organics 09627 Organic Fertilizer
It contains an NPK ratio of 3-5-5 that means 3% of nitrogen, 5% of phosphate, and 5% of potash that makes it ideal for peonies.
It includes 1.2% of water-soluble nitrogen and 1.8% of water-insoluble nitrogen. The water-soluble part feeds the plant rapidly as a quick nutrient supply. The water-insoluble part feeds the plant slowly that will benefit in the long run. The other 5% of potash is also water-soluble that is perfect for bigger blooms of peonies.
Additionally;
This fertilizer also contains other nutrients in a good proportion. Some of them are 8% calcium, 0.5% magnesium (0.15% of it is water-soluble) and 1.6% of sulphur.
All the ingredients derived from many biological sources such as feature meal, bone meal, processed poultry manure, sulfate of potash. That is the reason why it is an OMRI-listed organic fertilizer.
You will be nice to know that;
This fertilizer comprises microbes that will improve the condition of the soil. That assures that nutrients are carried directly to the plant roots and also support making plants more extended drought resistant. Jobe’s organic slow-release formula also ensures that plants will be feed continuously for a whole season.
The fertilizer can be processed directly into the soil and will supply plants for one to two months. When practiced on peonies, gardeners will see that their plants are more youthful overall, with greener and bigger leaves and more vivid flowers.
4.Scotts Super Bloom Water Soluble Plant Food
The Scotts Super Bloom plant food acts as a bloom-boosting fertilizer for peonies. Also, It has nutrients to support your peonies grow better above and under the soil.
It contains an NPK ratio of 12-55-6 that indicates 12% of nitrogen (9% Ammoniacal nitrogen, 3% urea nitrogen), 55% of phosphate, and 6% of water-soluble potash. Additionally, it includes 0.10% of chelated iron.
All these ingredients are derived from non-organic sources. So, this is an inorganic fertilizer. However, you will not find any issue with this great potash fertilizer and it won’t burn your peonies leaves.
This is also one of the best water-soluble fertilizer. Using it to your peonies plant is simple, just mix it into a watering container and water continuously. The Scotts plant food is more powerful than other fertilizers.
Water it once to get the fertilizer on the wanted area and extra time to include it completely in the soil. If the suspension is left on buds and leaves, it might hurt them, so utilize it carefully.
You should be watering your plants with this suspension every 2 weeks. That’s ample time for the fertilizer to start its magic in the soil and be ready for a lot more.
5.BR-61 Plant Food
As a primary nutrient, this fertilizer contains 9% nitrogen,58% phosphate, and 8% potash. it also includes 0.12% iron,0.05% manganese and 0.05% zinc.
You will be happy to know; all the micronutrients are chelated nutrients. That indicates they have an organic layer that blocks the nutrients from occurring reactions in the soil. As a consequence, they always prevail in an accessible form for plants.
Additionally, the nutrients of this fertilizer are synthesized from several non-toxic chemicals. It doesn’t burn the leaves or roots of plants in dry and hot weather.
Similar to all other water-soluble fertilizers, it also feeds the plant immediately and requires to apply more frequently for more satisfying results.
Add 2 gallons of BR-61 fertilizer with 2 gallons of water, mix them properly, and then apply the solution once per 6-10 days.
6.Dr. Earth 707P Organic Bud & Bloom Fertilizer
This fertilizer contains an NPK ratio of 3-9-4 that means 3% nitrogen,9% phosphate, and 4% potash.
The total quantity of nitrogen is water-insoluble. That indicates, it dissolves with water slowly plus feeds the peonies plant slowly and continuously. That’s why it is known as the best slow-release fertilizer for peonies.
This is an organic fertilizer and all of its ingredients are derived from some organic sources such as fishbone meal, potassium sulfate, kelp meal, alfalfa meal, and kelp flour.
Hence it also contains some other necessary micro and macronutrients. Though the manufacturer did not mention that, you can guess it by looking at its organic derivation sources. Because all of these are the source majority of essential plant nutrients. Such as, fishbone meal is the principal source of phosphorus but it also includes many other nutrients like calcium.
So, You don’t have to worry about the minor nutrient lack if you feed this organic fertilizer to your peonies.
Additionally, It includes a natural combination of beneficial soil mycorrhizae and microbes that increases the long-lasting soil condition, promote root growth, and make the plant resistant. Plus, this fertilizer has 4.5% humic acid that shields the plant from environmental stress such as heat and water stress.
To apply this slow-release fertilizer to established peonies plant-
Spray 4 cups for 2-inch diameter trunk or 2 tablespoons for 6 inches container. Operate smoothly on the covering soil, water the plant. Repeat the applying after a month and get the glossy peonies with healthy blooms.
7.Jack’s Classic 10-30-20 Blossom Booster
It comprises 10% nitrogen, 30% phosphate, and 20% potash for lush youthful plants with healthy root sets and long-lasting flowers.
Also, it includes 0.50% magnesium, 0.05% copper, 0.02% boron, 0.10% iron, 0.05% manganese 0.0009% molybdenum, and zinc. All are the most required minor nutrients for peonies that makes the plant healthy and strong.
It is an inorganic fertilizer but didn’t derive from any toxic or harmful sources that can cause damage to your lovely plants.
As you know, water-soluble fertilizer can feed instantly but require a frequent application for more satisfying results. There is no difference to this water-soluble fertilizer. It can also feed the plant quickly without the danger of burn or harm.
When should I Feed My Peonies?
The feeding or fertilizing schedule changes depending upon the variety and the brand of the fertilizer.
Usually, slow-release organic fertilizer is applied to feed the peonies continuously up to several months while the water-soluble fertilizer feed instantly.
So, you need to feed water-soluble fertilizer once every 7-14 days and slow-release fertilizer once per month.
The wise approach is to see the label of your fertilizer for understanding the fertilizing schedule.
How to Apply Fertilizer on Peonies?
Every brand provides a guide book with the application method. You must read their directions thoroughly before applying the fertilizer. Yet I have explained the best way to fertilize the peonies plants-
Step 1: Choose the Best Plant Food for Peonies
Pick the best Peonies fertilizer from any reliable brand that is safe for your Peonies.
Step 2: Measure The Fertilizer
Measure the fertilizer following the label instructions. You can see separate dosages for outdoor and indoor plants. You should strictly follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Step 3: Make a Solution
Pour the water into a watering container or a sprayer. Mix the pre-measured fertilizer with the water. You can also determine the quantity of water in the label of the fertilizer bag.
You can ignore this step if you choose granular fertilizer.
Step 4: Determine the Best Time to Apply
You should utilize fertilizer when the weather remains wind free and fresh. According to the specialists, evening or early morning is the best time to apply fertilizer to the Peonies plant.
Step 5: Apply the Fertilizer
First, apply some water to your Peonies plant. It reduces the risk of stress. Then spray the mixture on the foliage and the soil encompassing the peonies.
For granular fertilizer, spray it around the bottom of the plant and water it wholly.
How Do You Get More Blooms on Peonies?
Use low-nitrogen fertilizer twice a year in spring when the leaves beginning appears and quickly after flowering. Spray approximately 1/2 to 4 pounds of fertilizer per 25 square feet of space, using it straight under the peony canopies.
How to Care for Peonies?
Late Spring: Deadhead Peonies accordingly and eliminate all fallen leaves or blossoms from the garden.
Summer: Herbaceous Peonies do thoroughly with an inch of water a week.
Fall: Trim stems of Herbaceous Peonies back to soil level and eliminate them from the field. Dig and separate plants now if necessary.
Homemade Fertilizer for Peonies
Kitchen Scraps
Put your garden and kitchen waste to production by forming your compost. Compost delivers nutrients gradually, which indicates a well-composted garden can run a year or two without needing reapplication of fertilizer. Compost further improves the soil retain moisture, which is necessary for many gardens to thrive at the time of hot, dry summers.
Manure
Manure comes from different sources such as cows, chickens, horses, and even bats. Each kind of manure is rich in nitrogen and other micro and macronutrients, but you will require to apply it carefully. Raw manure is highly acidic and may have more nutrients than your plants can handle, so too much can burn your favorite plants. It is best to apply composted manure.
Eggshells
If you have ever applied lime on your garden, then you know it has lots of advantages — mainly, it supports lowering the acidity of your soil for plants that don’t prefer acid, and it gives plants with lots of calcium, which is an essential macronutrient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a peony that blooms all summer?
Peonies bloom in late spring to early summer, beginning in April and through May and June. Hence, to furnish your garden with continuously blooming peonies during the period to up to 6-7 weeks, you may think to plant a diversity of cultivars, starting from Very Early- to Very Late season bloomers.
Do peonies bloom more than once?
Peonies bloom for 100 years or longer, but the fame of peony blooms remains just a week to 12 days in your garden. To increase the time that you can use the season of peony blooms in your garden, plant species that bloom at various times within the approximately 6-week period of peony blooms.
Are coffee grounds good for peonies?
There is a lot of controversy around whether coffee grounds are a good type of fertilizer for plants. In concerns to peonies, it is most beneficial to stay away from pouring your utilized coffee grounds on the soil around peonies and other perennial herbs.
Why are my peonies not producing buds?
Peonies require the sun to produce blooms. It could be that the plant gained abundant sun in early spring to create the buds. But a nearby tree developed back its leaves. That is why the sun is now blocked. The buds die because the plants no longer receive adequate sun to maintain the blossoms.
How do you get rid of fungus on peonies?
You can use neem oil, baking soda, or liquid dish soap to get rid of fungus at home. But for severe conditions, you should go for the fungicide that is effective against fungus. Here is the recommended fungal spray for hydrangeas that are also effective for peonies.
Last word
I have tried to prove every piece of information that can assist you in this regard. Just pick the best fertilizer for peonies from my list to get started.
If you have any questions, then leave us a comment or mail us. I will reach you as soon as possible.
Share your experience and suggestion with us. I will check that out. Happy Gardening!
