Peony Care Tips from Our Chatty Blooms!

Our peonies are practically whispering these tips to you:

• We arrive in bud, so give us a minute!
  We're like little sleepy beauties when we first arrive. We cut our peonies in bud form because it gives them a super-duper long vase life. We might not look like much at first, but just a few days in water and BAM! We'll burst open into those dreamy, cloud-like flowers you adore. Patience, my friend, patience!
  

• Time for a little snip-snip!
  Once you've gently freed us from our packaging, grab a sharp knife or secateurs (no squishing, please!) and give our stems a fresh cut at a 45-degree angle. How much to trim? That's up to your vase! Just a little for tall vases, or more for shorter ones. A clean cut helps us drink up all that yummy water, keeping us fresh and fabulous. Plus, it makes arranging us a breeze!
  

• Naked stems below the waterline, please!
  Any leaves that will be chilling out below the water in your vase? Snip 'em off! This keeps the water clean and sends those nasty, vase-life-shortening bacteria packing. We like a clean swimming pool!
  

• Pick our perfect spot!
  Pop us into a clean vase with lukewarm water and don't forget that flower food we sent along – it's our favorite snack! We're not big fans of drafts, direct sun, heat, or even fresh fruit (they emit gases that can speed up our aging process – rude!). Find us a cozy, calm spot and we'll reward you with lasting beauty.
  

• Fresh water is our jam!
  We love a refresh! Change our water every 2 or 3 days, or even more often if it's super warm. This is a game-changer for keeping us fresh, as it flushes out any yucky bacteria that might try to move in. Think of it as our spa day!

Why Aren't We Opening? (A Peony Mystery!)

Sometimes, even the most glamorous peonies need a little nudge. If we're being shy and not opening, here's what our wise old peony elders suggest:

• Sticky situation?
  We naturally produce a little sticky sap, and sometimes it can glue our petals shut. If you see some, hold us under warm water to wash it away, then gently massage our bud. It's like a tiny spa treatment to help us loosen up!
  

• Need a warm water wake-up call?
  Give our stems another little trim and pop us into warm water for about 24 hours. This can give us the boost we need to perk up and unfurl our beautiful petals faster!
  

We hope these tips from our Geigel Hill crew help you enjoy your magnificent peonies to the fullest! Got any other peony puzzles you need solving? Just ask!

Hey there, peony pals! Ever wondered how to keep those gorgeous blooms from Geigel Hill Peony Farm looking their absolute best? Well, our talking peonies have spilled their secrets, and we're here to share 'em with you! Get ready to make your peony bouquets last longer than ever with these fun and easy tips.