Caring for Peonies: Tips for Fresh Bouquets and Growing Your Own

Caring for Fresh Peony Bouquets for Long-Lasting Vase Life

To ensure your fresh peonies maintain their splendor, keep these care tips in mind:

1. Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can quickly wilt cut flowers like peonies. Placing your bouquet in a bright, sunny spot may shorten its lifespan. Instead, choose a cool area in your home, away from harsh sunlight. For example, a spot away from a window or any area that gets indirect light can work wonders.

2. Maintain a Cool Environment

Temperature greatly influences the longevity of your peonies. Aim for a room temperature of 65°F to 70°F. Avoid placing your bouquet near heating vents or kitchen appliances, as warmer temperatures can speed up wilting. A well-placed bouquet can last up to seven days or more when kept in an ideal environment.

3. Replace the Water Daily

Fresh peonies can drink a surprising amount of water. Keeping their vase filled with clean, fresh water daily is crucial. Make sure to empty the vase of any old water and debris, helping to prevent bacteria that can shorten their life. By changing the water daily, you could extend the vase life of your peonies by several days!

4. Trim the Stems

Before placing your peonies in the vase, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This simple technique increases water uptake. Every few days, re-trim the stems to help your flowers continue absorbing water efficiently and maintain their freshness.

Same Peonies From Fresh-Cut "Marshmallow Stage" to Two-Weeks Later.

Growing Your Own Peonies

Cultivating your own peonies can add lasting joy to your garden. Here’s how to do it successfully:

1. How to Plant Peonies

When planting peonies, select well-drained soil in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Space the plants at least two feet apart to accommodate their natural growth and allow airflow. Plant them two inches below the soil level. Regularly water your peonies during dry spells, and it's best to water the soil, not the foliage. An application of mulch can help retain moisture and improve soil quality. I recommend planting peonies in the fall, but spring is also acceptable. Peonies grow in zones 3 to 8 and prefer a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.

2. Compost and Soil Nutrients

Incorporating organic compost into your soil is highly recommended for growing lush peonies. Compost supplies vital nutrients and reduces diseases. Healthy soil can boost plant growth, leading to more vigorous blooms. For instance, gardens enriched with compost have shown up to a 50% increase in bloom size.

3. When to Fertilize

Newly planted peonies thrive with balanced fertilization in spring when new growth begins and again in the fall during the first year. Use a general balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10). Keep a bit of distance from the crown to avoid fertilizer burn. Once established, peonies may not need fertilizing every year. Some recommend fertilizing every three years unless your soil is deficient. Adding compost to the soil will help too.

4. Fungicidal Treatments for Disease Prevention

Peonies are prone to fungal diseases, like Botrytis, especially in a rainy spring. Apply fungicidal treatments in early spring, before leafing out, to prevent issues. We prefer a compost tea with beneficial bacteria and other living organisms throughout the growing season. And remember to remove all plant foliage in the fall.

5. When to Harvest for Fresh Bouquets

The best moment to cut peonies is when their buds have just started to open. A bud that feels soft yet isn't fully open will likely produce blooms that last longer in the vase. This stage is often called the "marshmallow stage" because the buds feel soft and mushy like marshmallows but are still closed.

6. The myth about Ants

If you notice ants on your fresh peonies, there's no need for concern! They don't hurt the flower and they are not "needed" to remove the sap for them to open! But if you want to remove them from the bud before bringing into your house, simply submerge the blooms in a warm bucket of water and gently shake off the ants. This method effectively removes them while keeping the flowers intact.

7. How to Store Fresh Cut Peonies

Here's a trick I love! To keep fresh-cut peonies for over a week (sometimes even months!), wrap them completely in tissue paper or plastic grocery bags and pop them in the fridge. When you're ready to use them, simply trim the stem and place it in fresh water.

Embracing the Peony Patch

These days, you’ll find me in the peony patch! When the sun shines bright and the weather warms up, this patch becomes my ultimate happy place. Peonies bring such a rewarding experience, creating a beautiful and fragrant space, whether in a vase or blooming in your garden!

Happy Spring!