Few flowers make as stunning a statement in a vase as peonies. Their lush, romantic blooms and intoxicating fragrance can transform any room into something special. Whether you're growing peonies specifically for cutting or simply want to bring a few blooms indoors to enjoy, knowing how to harvest and handle them properly ensures they last as long as possible.

This guide covers everything from when to cut to how to extend vase life, helping you get the most from your peony harvest.

When to Cut Peonies

Timing is crucial when cutting peonies. Cut too early and buds may not open; cut too late and flowers won't last. The key is understanding what to look for at different stages.

The Marshmallow Stage

Professional growers cut peonies at what's called the "marshmallow stage," when buds feel soft like a marshmallow when gently squeezed. At this stage, buds show colour but petals haven't begun to unfurl. Peonies cut at this stage:

• Can be refrigerated for weeks without opening
• Will open reliably when brought to room temperature
• Have the longest potential vase life

For Immediate Display

If you want flowers that will open within a day or two, cut when buds are just starting to crack open and show colour between the sepals. These will open quickly and be at their peak within 24-48 hours.

Best Time of Day to Cut

Early morning is ideal for cutting peonies. The flowers are fully hydrated from overnight, and cooler temperatures mean less stress on the stems. Avoid cutting in the heat of the afternoon when plants may be slightly wilted.

How to Cut Peonies

Equipment Needed

• Sharp, clean secateurs or floral scissors
• A bucket of clean, cool water
• Optional: floral preservative

Cutting Technique

1. Select blooms at the right stage of development
2. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle to maximise water uptake
3. Leave at least two sets of leaves on the plant to sustain it
4. Immediately place cut stems in the bucket of water
5. Move flowers to a cool, shaded spot promptly

Dealing with Ants

If ants are present on your peony buds (which is common and harmless to the plant), simply give the stems a gentle shake or leave them in a cool spot for an hour. The ants will disperse once the nectar source is removed from the garden. A quick rinse under cool water also works.

Conditioning Peonies for Longer Vase Life

Proper conditioning dramatically extends how long your cut peonies last. Take these steps before arranging:

1. Remove lower leaves: Strip any foliage that would sit below the waterline
2. Re-cut stems: Make a fresh diagonal cut, removing 2-3cm from the bottom
3. Hydrate in deep water: Place stems in a tall container filled with room-temperature water
4. Rest in a cool spot: Allow to hydrate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight
5. Add preservative: Use commercial floral preservative or a homemade solution

Homemade Flower Preservative

Mix together: 2 tablespoons white sugar, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, and half a teaspoon of bleach per litre of water. This provides food (sugar), adjusts pH (vinegar), and prevents bacterial growth (bleach).

Storing Peonies for Later

One of the wonderful things about peonies is that buds cut at the marshmallow stage can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. This is how florists ensure supply for events.

Cold Storage Method

1. Cut at the marshmallow stage
2. Wrap stem ends in damp paper towel
3. Place loosely in a plastic bag or wrap in paper
4. Store in the refrigerator (not the freezer)
5. Keep away from fruit, which emits ethylene gas that hastens opening

To open stored peonies, remove from refrigeration, recut the stems, and place in warm water. They should begin opening within a few hours to a day.

Arranging Peonies

Peonies are so beautiful they need little else to create a stunning arrangement, but here are some tips for displaying them effectively:

Simple Solo Display

A single variety in a simple vase makes a classic statement. Cut stems to varying lengths for natural-looking depth. Odd numbers (3, 5, 7 stems) tend to look more pleasing than even numbers.

Complementary Pairings

Peonies pair beautifully with:

• Foliage: Eucalyptus, ferns, or soft ruscus add texture
• Delicate flowers: Sweet peas, ranunculus, or garden roses
• Structural elements: Alliums, delphiniums, or snapdragons for height

Vase Selection

Use a stable vase with a relatively narrow neck, which helps support heavy blooms. Full double peonies can become quite heavy once open, and a narrow-necked vase keeps stems upright.

Extending Vase Life

With proper care, cut peonies can last 7-10 days in the vase. Follow these tips to maximise their display time:

• Change water every 2-3 days
• Recut stems with each water change
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Remove any flowers that begin to deteriorate
• Display in a cool room, especially overnight
• Keep away from ripening fruit

Best Varieties for Cutting

While any peony can be cut for the vase, some varieties are particularly suited to indoor display:

• Sarah Bernhardt: Excellent vase life, strong fragrance, classic pink
• Festiva Maxima: Long-lasting, fragrant, elegant white with red flecks
• Coral Charm: Stunning colour change from coral to peach; strong stems
• Duchess de Nemours: Pure white, heavy fragrance, good vase life
• Karl Rosenfield: Dramatic deep red, sturdy stems, reliable

Bringing peonies indoors is one of the great pleasures of growing these magnificent flowers. With proper cutting, conditioning, and care, you can enjoy their beauty and fragrance for up to two weeks, making the brief outdoor bloom season feel much longer.