There are several peony seasons all over the planet. This typical outdoor-grown flower needs a certain climate to start blooming. So, it moves geographically along with the seasons in various regions of the world. In June, the peony season arrives in Western Europe, and the Netherlands looks forward to the harvest.
For many people, the arrival of peonies is the floral highlight of the year. That's one more reason to know everything about how we can enjoy the beauty of this seasonal flower for as long as possible.
These are the best care tips from award-winning grower and breeder Nop-Fleur and the flower food specialists of Chrysal.
Fresh and Fabulously Fluffy Peonies
Peonies are without a doubt the fluffiest flowers in the vast cut flower assortment that the flower industry has access to. Starting out as a drumstick they bloom quickly to huge balls of softness and sweetness. They are a florist's and consumers' favorite for their stunning appearance and delightful fragrance. But how do you keep them looking fresh and fabulous? Chrysal has got you covered with some simple step-by-step care tips to help your peonies shine.
- The Arrival: Unpacking Your Peonies. First things first, when your peonies arrive, unpack them immediately. Gently remove any packaging and trim about an inch off the stems. This fresh cut allows them to absorb water more efficiently.
- The Perfect Trim: Cutting the Stems. Grab a clean, sharp knife or garden shears and cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. Make sure to remove any leaves that would be below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth.
- Hydration Station: Getting the Water Right. Fill a clean vase with fresh, cool water. Add flower food to the water — this is crucial as it provides essential nutrients. Trust us, your peonies will thank you!
- Location, Location, Location: Finding the Right Spot. Peonies love a cool environment. Keep them away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and drafts. A spot with indirect light is perfect. This will help them last longer and maintain their vibrant color.
- Watching the Bloom: Patience is Key. Peonies might arrive as tight buds, but don't worry—they'll open up beautifully. Be patient and let nature take its course. You can gently loosen the outer petals to help them along, but avoid forcing them open.
Watch what happens when Chrysal is added to the water of your peony vase:
Tips From Peony Grower Nop-Fleur
Nop-Fleur B.V. is a peony nursery in the Noordoostpolder. A very large range of peonies is grown on over 12 hectares, both for cutting and for propagation. Nop-Fleur is managed by grower Paul Koenraadt. The company distinguishes itself by growing a wide range in large numbers. This is quite unique, especially in the cultivation of starting material. In flower cultivation, Paul Koenraadt uses tunnels for early harvesting.
Nop-Fleur was one of the first peony companies to pay extreme attention to the purity of the range. All new introductions are first grown for a few years to ensure that no mixing of species has occurred. Due to its specialization in the cultivation of starting material, this company actually only offers young plants. The plants are never older than 4 years when they are sold. This is in contrast to the plants offered by growers who only grow for the flower. The introduction of the productive peony Alertie is one of the achievements of this company.
By using ULO storage (special low-oxygen boxes in which the peonies are stored), Nop Fleur can supply peonies until the end of June. This has resulted in winning the 2022 CNB Award for best peony at the Dutch Peony Days.
Paul Koenraadt for everyone, from growers to consumers:
"We get the best results when we cut our peonies as fresh as possible and then leave them dry at 1 degree Celsius in a cold store for a few days up to four weeks. This makes the peonies often open up easier when they are then put in water.
Did you know that the same works for florists? If peonies are not immediately sold in your store and they start opening up, just put them away dry and leave them until your next sales day. This also works when the flowers The flower will stop blooming and will look just as nice the following day.
We always advise consumers to cut off a bit from the stem before putting the flowers in water. And definitely use a sachet of Chrysal flower food. This will open up the water intake again and the flowers will open up beautifully."
Pro Tips for Longer-Lasting Peonies
- Avoid Ethylene Gas: Keep your peonies away from ripening fruits and vegetables. These produce ethylene gas, which can shorten the lifespan of your flowers.
- Cool Nights: If possible, place your vase of peonies in a cool area overnight. This slows down the blooming process, helping them last longer.
- Support Heavy Blooms: As peonies open, their blooms can get heavy. Use a vase that provides good support or add a floral frog or grid for extra stability.
- Reviving Wilting Blooms: If your peonies start to droop, don't fret. Re-trim the stems, change the water, and place them in a cool spot. Sometimes a fresh start is all they need.
Enjoying the Beauty
Peonies are a beauty and joy to behold. With these simple care tips, you'll be able to enjoy their beauty for as long as possible. Whether they're gracing a dining table or brightening up a workspace, peonies add a touch of elegance wherever they are.
As you've learned, it’s all about the right timing and the right care! So, happy flowering! Keep those peonies happy and blooming.
Header image by @georgiannalane. Feature image by @francespalmer.
