Keep Your Peonies Thriving: Best Fertilizers for Maximum Blooms!

One thing I’ve always been careful about is the fertilizer I use on my plants. I know perfectly well that fertilized flowers will simply bloom with (much…) more strength.

I don’t really like buying fertilizer, because besides being expensive, it’s not natural (I know, I can buy organic…).

I believe that we can and should use homemade fertilizers to fertilize our plants. It may seem difficult (and many people think that it doesn’t have much effect…), but the truth is that I think that homemade fertilizers are even better than those you buy in stores!

So, I decided to focus this article on that, showing you several fertilizers that you can apply to your peonies (or any other flower) so that they bloom LIKE NEVER BEFORE!

So, if that’s what you want, keep reading below…

These Are My Favorite Homemade Fertilizers For Peonies!

1. Compost Tea

Compost tea is an excellent homemade fertilizer that provides a nutrient boost while improving soil structure and microbial health. Rich in nitrogen, potassium, and other essential nutrients, compost tea is perfect for promoting healthy peony growth.

To create compost tea, fill a bucket with water and submerge a cloth bag filled with mature compost. Let it steep for 24 to 48 hours, stirring occasionally. After steeping, remove the bag and strain the liquid.

When to Apply: Apply compost tea in early spring just as your peonies start to break dormancy. You can also use it after the first bloom to give the plant an extra boost of nutrients.
How to Apply: Use the compost tea as a liquid feed by pouring it directly around the base of your peony plants. Water the soil well after application to help the nutrients absorb into the roots.

2. Banana Peel Fertilizer

Banana peels are rich in potassium, which is essential for promoting strong stems and vibrant flowers. This simple fertilizer is perfect for boosting your peonies during their growing season.

Dry banana peels in the sun or in a dehydrator until they’re crispy. Once dry, grind them into a powder using a blender or food processor.

When to Apply: Apply banana peel fertilizer in mid-spring when your peonies are developing buds. This will help support healthy flower production and vibrant blooms.
How to Apply: Sprinkle the banana peel powder around the base of the plants and lightly work it into the soil. Water thoroughly to help the nutrients reach the roots.

3. Eggshell Fertilizer

Eggshells are loaded with calcium, which strengthens cell walls in plants and helps prevent issues like blossom end rot. This fertilizer is particularly useful if your soil lacks calcium.

Collect and clean eggshells from your kitchen. Let them dry, then crush them into a fine powder

When to Apply: Apply eggshell fertilizer in early spring before new growth starts. You can also apply it once a month during the growing season to ensure your peonies receive a consistent source of calcium.
How to Apply: Scatter the crushed eggshells around the base of the plant and mix them into the top layer of soil. Water thoroughly after application.

4. Epsom Salt Solution

Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, an essential nutrient for photosynthesis. Magnesium improves the overall health of your peonies, helping them produce stronger stems and greener leaves.

This one is easy… VERY easy! To make this “special” fertilizer you just need to dissolve one tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water.

When to Apply: Apply this solution every four to six weeks during the growing season, starting in early spring and continuing through summer.
How to Apply: Water the peonies with the Epsom salt solution, focusing on the base of the plants. Be sure not to overwater—Epsom salt is highly soluble and can be absorbed quickly.

Final Tips for Peony Fertilization

Wait!!! I’m not going to let you go yet! Before you leave, I have some tips I want to give you (so you don’t forget…).

Timing is (really) Crucial: Apply fertilizers at key points during the growing season—early spring, mid-spring, and after the first bloom—to ensure your peonies are getting the nutrients they need.
Watering: Always water your plants thoroughly after applying fertilizers to help nutrients reach the root system.
Avoid Over-Fertilizing (this one is important…): While peonies benefit from regular feeding, too much fertilizer can lead to weak stems and reduced blooms. Stick to a regular schedule, but don’t overdo it.

So, did I bother you too much? I hope not! I (truly) hope you learned something new and that it helps you have peony flowers with the most beautiful flowers in the world!

Oh, and if you have any questions, don’t forget to comment!