Caring for Peony Cut Flowers

If you are going to grow peonies then it is our contention that you should be enjoying them in the house as cut flowers. Here are some tips.

In our fields we cut in the early morning and late evening or during the day if it is cool. We immediately place the cut stem in a hydrating solution. The stems are then gotten into a cooler at about 34 degrees Fahrenheit, as soon as possible. Whenever possible we like to deliver them still in solution. However they travel very well dry. You can do the same thing at home. Place the cut stem, dry, in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. They will last up to 4 weeks this way.

Rehydrating:

Regardless if it is removing the stems from a shipment or from the airtight container the following is the same.

  1. Trim off 1-2 inches of the bottom of the stem and immediately place the stem in a, preferably warm, hydrating solution.
  2. There are a number of commercial hydrating solutions available and each florist will have their preference. However if you do not have such a solution use this recipe: Mix equal parts of a clear soda pop (i.e. 7UP - but the store brand will do just fine) and tap water. Add a dash of bleach - approximately a teaspoonful per quart of solution.
  3. Control when the bud fully opens by the temperature it is held at. The warmer the faster it will open. Normally most of our cuts will open within 48 hours at room temperature. However this varies greatly between varieties of peonies so if you need them for a special occasion requires some experimenting to get it just right.