Gardening help with Daltons We all need a little help in the garden now and then. Daltons new gardening Q&A column can answer any curly questions you may have. Send our experts your gardening question and be in to win a Daltons prize pack! Dividing peonies and checking bulbs When is the best time to lift established peonies and other bulbs in the garden? Herbaceous peonies grow from tubers, and like bulbs, these store the nutrients the plant needs to regrow each year. Traditionally, peonies are divided in late autumn - a process called root division. Peony “clumps” may actually not need to be divided for 10-15 years after planting. You will know it is time to divide your peonies when the flowers become smaller every year. Once the peonies leaves are brown and have died down, dig up the clumps carefully and with a clean, strong, sharp knife, divide the plant ensuring that each section has significant roots. Before planting, make sure your soil is well prepared by incorporating plenty of fresh compost. Plant the new divided clumps 40-50cm apart. Don’t plant them too deep - ensure the crown of the plant (where the buds grow from) sits above ground level.
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Your other bulbs can be lifted in late autumn as well, and as with peonies, it is important that you let the leaves die off first before removing. The reason for this is that the leaves absorb nutrients which are stored in the bulb, giving it the ability to flower the following season. In general, bulbs can be left in the ground for a number of years before it impacts their flowering. You can take bulbs out and dry them over the season although there is no real advantage in doing this unless you want to move their position. Lift and inspect the bulbs for any signs of disease before replanting into prepared soil as above. Mark the area with a stake where the bulbs are planted to avoid the possibility of accidentally digging them. If you would like your bulbs to naturalise (spread naturally on their own) just leave them in the ground and do not disturb them. However, with some varieties, particularly Irises and Lachenalias it is imperative to lift them every two to three years otherwise their flowering will reduce. You may also find it helpful to read our free How to Grow Bulbs Guides at: daltons.co.nz/how-to-guides.
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