This blog is all about peony bloom care – plus how to get the most our of your peony stems!
During peony season I have a lot of conversations with peony lovers about how to make the cut peony stem last longer.
I have put together some information that will help with the longevity of the peony blooms along with some other handy tips.
Have you found anything in particular works best for you? I would love if you would share your tip in the comment section below.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR CUT PEONY STEM
Cut the peony stems at a sharp angle and place them in a vase. Be sure to add flower food to the vase of water. Peonies have heavy buds so ensure that you have a vase that will best support them.
Change the water every other day and also remembering to recut their stems on an angle will also help ensure the blooms to last longer.
To ensure that the water is kept free from bacteria as long as possible be sure to remove the foliage above the water line.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR PEONY BLOOMS LAST LONGER
Place the peonies into cold water, adding ice cubes to help maintain the cooler temperature. This slows down the bloom opening.
It is also best to place the vase out of direct sunlight and in a cooler room to lengthen the life of your blooms.
WHEN IS IT BEST TO PICK MY PEONIES FROM MY GARDEN
If your peony plant is new it is advised that you do not cut the flowers the first or second year to let the peony plant mature.
Then keep in mind when you are picking your peony stems that you don’t remove all of the blooms from the plant.
When you pick them from your garden they recommend first thing in the morning as the plant is still cool.
They are best picked when their heads feel like a firm marshmallow or when the very first petal starts to open. When you squeeze the bud you do it gently so to determine if the bud is ready for picking.
If the bud is hard then it is not ready to be picked. If you pick the bud when it is hard it will not open.
HOW TO FORCE THE PEONY BLOOM OPEN
Peony bloom care also involves benefits for you!
If you are wanting the peony bloom open for an event you can encourage the blooms to open on the day. What you will need to do is cut their stems at an angle and put them into warm water (not hot).
Also place them in a sunny, warm location. If they are not open to your liking repeat the process in about 4 hours.
Keep in mind when you are encouraging them to open to keep the stem as long as possible to so you have enough stem to cut each time you place them into warm water.
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We hope this info helps with your peonies, getting the most out of peonies is a great way to enjoy the peony season!