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Summer cold storage of peony flowers
The natural blooming period of peonies typically occurs in mid to late April. However, some varieties can also bloom in late April or early May. When it comes to achieving a summer bloom—between mid-May and late August—traditional methods involve storing the plants before they begin to sprout. The seedlings are harvested from the field, kept in cold storage at low temperatures, and then brought out at the right time to be placed in an artificial climate room, ensuring they bloom on the desired date. Although this technique allows for controlled flowering, the quality of the blooms is significantly lower compared to those that occur naturally. The flowering rate is reduced, colors tend to be duller, the flowers are smaller, with fewer petals, and the leaves appear thin and less vibrant.
In April 2006, researchers from the Mudan Research Institute in Heze City prepared peony plants for exhibition. These were carefully selected from the field and potted (specifically during the Peach or Pingtao stage), then stored in cold storage. They were later moved to an artificial environment where they bloomed until late July, with their quality matching that of naturally blooming peonies in Daejeon.
**Variety Selection**
When choosing peony and tree peony varieties for cold storage, it's essential to select plants with an upright growth habit, compact branches, and flowers that open straight up or to the side. The flowers should be elegant, colorful, and pure. Leaves should be medium-sized, round or elongated, thick, and waxy. Plants with large, thin leaves may suffer from wilting after being removed from cold storage due to excessive transpiration. Additionally, the root system should be shallow, short, fine, and dense, with the plant being between 3 to 5 years old and having at least 8 flowers. Suitable varieties include 'Jingyu', 'Wujin Yaohui', 'Purple Erqiao', 'Big Brown Violet', 'Silver Red Clever Pair', 'Lu Hehong', '18th', 'Flower Butterfly', 'King', 'Sun Moon Brocade', 'Island Brocade', 'Big Brown Purple', 'Fu Gui Man Tang', 'Sheng Ge Jin', among others. For herbaceous peonies, options like 'Big Rich', 'Kind of Flour', 'Hongyan Zhenghui', 'Qiaoling', 'Chunxiao', 'Qihualuo Cream', 'Liantai', 'Red Peak' are recommended.
**Seedlings and Pots**
During mid to late April, when individual flowers of the same species start to bloom, plants that meet the criteria are selected. It’s important that buds on the same plant are similar in size and at the peach or pingtao stage to ensure uniform blooming. After selection, branches are tied with strings to maintain structure without damaging buds or leaves. The plants are then transplanted into pots with a diameter of 35–40 cm and a depth of 30–32 cm. The soil ball should match the pot size, and fine soil is used to fill the pot. If there are secretions or dirt on the buds or leaves, they should be rinsed with clean water.
**Cold Storage**
Before placing the plants in cold storage, the room is fumigated with chlorothalonil aerosol for 2–3 days and then again every 15–20 days. One day prior, the temperature is set to 2–4°C, and the plants are quickly placed in the cold room, arranged neatly with space for maintenance. The temperature must remain stable at 2–4°C, with humidity around 95%. Frequent fluctuations can harm the plants. Every 20–30 days, a small amount of liquid fertilizer is added to the pots to compensate for nutrient loss.
**Outbound and Transportation**
During hot summer months, when temperatures often exceed 30°C, a gradual transition is necessary before moving the plants from cold storage. Direct exposure to high temperatures can cause rapid wilting. A two- to three-day acclimation process involves moving the plants to a 10–15°C cold room, stopping cooling, and gradually increasing the temperature to 18–23°C. Water is lightly applied to the pots. During this phase, the strings are untied, and each plant is inspected. Damaged or dense leaves are pruned, and any secretions or mold are cleaned with a damp cloth. Ethylene inhibitors are sprayed on the leaves to extend the flowering period. Finally, the branches are rewrapped with string and covered with paper to protect them during transport.
Transport vehicles should have insulation and moisture control features, such as refrigerated trucks or air-conditioned vehicles. The internal temperature should be maintained at 20–23°C, with humidity around 85%.
**Flowering Management**
If exhibited outdoors, shade structures are essential, with light transmission below 40% and humidity above 80%. Immediately after unloading, the plants should be misted with water. Subsequently, watering should occur 3–5 times daily or via a micro-spraying system. In air-conditioned rooms, if the temperature stays under 26°C, daily misting may not be necessary. Outdoor exhibitions typically last 2–3 days, while indoor displays can last 3–5 days.
**Olympic Games Ceremony Flower Display**
Using this cold storage technology, peonies were successfully displayed at the first "Shandong Provincial Cultural Industry Expo" from June 18 to June 21, 2006. They were also used as ceremonial flowers on three occasions between July 17 and 19. On July 30, due to special requirements, all plants were removed from cold storage. Despite the temporary stoppage, the peonies performed well, and the cold storage could have continued until August. This method is cost-effective, doesn’t require specialized facilities like climate chambers, and allows for mass storage and display. It is ideal for use as ceremonial flowers during events like the Olympic Games, and can be arranged in indoor venues, hotels, or even outdoor flower beds if proper shading and moisture conditions are met.