"Did you know that you can wrap peony buds in a newspaper and put in your refrigerator

[elleng]

for up to 3 months? When ready to use, cut the stem a few inches off the bottom and put them in a vase of water. They will open up in a few hours. So now you can enjoy fresh peonies from May - August."

[UpInArms]

1. That is cool!

I hate that peony season is so short ...

Will prolong it with this

[bamagal62]

2. Wow! I had no idea!

Better make room in my fridge!

[The Blue Flower]

3. Thank you!

They come and go so quickly, and they're so gorgeous. Will definitely do this.

[2naSalit]

4. Wow!

That's cool! I think I'll try that this summer. I know that roses, and other cut flowers, will last if you keep a third of the fluid in a vase with flat cola or 7up. And cutting stems under water helps too. The idea is that the stems are like straws and are constantly drawing up fluid. If you cut them in open air, they could get too much air into the stem which will end up blocking subsequent fluid from reaching beyond the air. I do that with fresh produce too, then I place it in a coffee mug like a flower arrangement until I use it. Some things will last for days.

[elleng]

5. HOPE I remember all this stuff!

Will look @ peony bushes; just drove past them, but was looking for ducks and geese instead.

[2naSalit]

6. We have three peony bushes...

And I love having them on the house in summer.

[WheelWalker]

8. Soft-tissue stems are particularly susceptible

to developing an air bubble after cutting, especially if done in the heat of the day. Think of a vascular air embolism. Cutting under water is a bit difficult and shouldn't be necessary if the plant is well hydrated to begin with, the cutting is taken early morning or evening, and is quickly placed in water. Often a cause of clone and scion failure in rooting and grafting operations in my experience.

[2naSalit]

9. That's good to know...

I don't recall how I came by the info but it has worked for me for years so I try to pass it on with as much info as I have. Your articulation provides clarity to the issue, thanks!

[Rebl2]

7. I remember

seeing that on Martha Stewart’s show many years ago and forgotten about it. I love peonies and have several bushes. There are always ants on them it seems, so I rarely cut them and bring them in the house. I will cut a few and put in a vase and sit on table on the deck.