The parade of flowers continues here in Alberta, and I want to share a tip about preserving fresh peonies for later use … later as in a couple weeks, or even a couple months!
This year I have a bumper crop of these beauties ready to pop … I know I’m going to be overwhelmed with possibilities … and quite likely I’ll feel paralyzed. It’s a common occurrence when we’re faced with overabundance. But luckily, I have an a amazing tip on how to preserve these beauties while still in the bud stage.
Our peonies bloom in June, but with this tip, I was able to extend fresh bouquets for weeks!
Tip for Preserving Fresh Peonies for Weeks
- Snip a few peony stems while still in the bud stage, making sure there is some colour showing (as in the following image)
- Slip them into a plastic bag and tie it closed (no water necessary.) Again no water, no paper towels nothing … nada!
- Place the bag in the vegetable crisper in the refrigerator and forget about it for a while
When you’re ready for a fresh bouquet:
- remove from fridge
- snip end of stem
- place in water
The blooms will open within a day! I’ll warn you that they don’t last long, perhaps a day or two depending on how long you stored them, but they are still beautiful.
When I finally removed mine from the fridge, it was near the end of August (and I had picked them in June!) I was quite doubtful it would work … but … here’s the proof:
Peonies in August
Peonies in August
Peonies in October
Peonies in October
I’d love to know if you try this, and how it works for you! and please pin my image if you like :)
Thanks for stopping by!
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What a great tip! I will remember it for next year, my peonies are done blooming this year. Your images are beautiful. My favorite is the top image, I love the twine twisted around the pencil… thank you for the inspiration.
wow! that’s very cool to put them ‘on ice’. :)
I haven’t tried this method but last year I read about just keeping them in the refrigerator (in water) until you want them to open. I have tried it several times this spring and it has worked beautifully! I buy two bouquets (they won’t grow here so I have to buy them from Trader Joe’s) and put one in a vase and one in another vase in the refrigerator. When the first bunch is wilting, I bring out the second and it opens perfectly and lasts just as long. Saves me another trip to Trader Joe’s! Yesterday I read about putting them in 1/2 water and 1/2 7-Up and am giving that a try. So far, so good! Anything to keep them for as long as possible! But to be able to bring some out in August would be a dream! Will have to give this a try next year as I think Trader Joe’s is done getting them for this year.
Super tip, thanks for sharing ! I will give it a try next year ! Love your photos :)
Always love coming to visit. Great tip. Your blog is lovely. Your art is spectacular.
Wasn’t such a good year for Trader Joe’s suppliers I guess. They only had them for three weeks here. The first week I bought two bunches and they lasted a week. A couple stems lasted even a couple more days. The next week I bought one bunch and they blew out in a couple hours (because I didn’t know your tip, Barb). The next week I bought another bunch and they did not open . You’re so lucky to have them growing in your yard. Thanks for the tip!
That’s incredible Barb and now I simply have to plant some peonies so I can try it next year. Thanks so much for sharing this and the gorgeous images of your “late bloomers.”
Unfortunately I took someone else’s advice who told me you could just wrap the stems in plastic wrap. Well….. I ended up with dried buds. But I believe I’ll use those anyway. The peonies in NDak were just fabulous this year! So nice to be able to enjoy the peony season twice.
Great tips! Passed on to my daughter who has peonies galore. Thanks’