Peonies make beautiful, long-lasting cut flowers that are very popular for weddings and special events. They are also very seasonal and readily available for only a few weeks each spring. These exquisite flowers, however, are easy to take care of and require basic fresh cut flower care steps for them to thrive.
When you receive your peonies don't be alarmed by how they look, some browning is normal, the leaves might look limp, and they will be in bud form. Bud form is the best way to purchase these beauties as they will start blooming as soon as they are in water, and this way, you will be able to enjoy a few additional days of the peonies unique charm!
Care instructions:
- Carefully remove from packaging as soon as possible
- With sharp shears cut at least 2” off each stem in a diagonal. Don't be afraid to cut more if you need the stem to fit the vase that you are using. You MUST cut the peony stem before putting them into water. If you don’t, the peony will not be able to hydrate, and won't bloom.
- Remove any foliage that falls below the water line
- Place them in a tall vase with at least 4” to 5” of lukewarm water
- Place the peonies in a cool place and away from direct sunlight
- Keep an eye on the water levels as peonies drink quite a bit of water and will need to refill the vase often.
- Re-cut the stems every 2-3 days to maximize vase life
If you don't want your peonies to start blooming as soon as they arrive, simply remove the packaging and then set them in your refrigerator without water. Make sure they are dry and that the temperature is not so cold that they freeze! Once you are ready for them to bloom, simply follow the instructions above.
If you want peonies to bloom faster, cut the stems shorter and remove more foliage, set them in warm water, and set them in a warmer room.
If you have any more questions, please email us at info@mccarthyfamilyfarm.com We want to make sure you enjoy the flowers to their fullest!