How to save flowers from the rain?

17 years ago

Hi All-

I am a newbie gardener with 5 peony plants that are beautiful. We staked them w/rings in the springs but our heavy rainfall for the past week really ruined the flowers. Even in the past years, after I cut my peonies to bring into the house they never lasted more than 2 days if that. Am I doing something wrong? My peonies are about 8 years old and my buds never get very large. I do have alot of foliage. I don't fertilize except for some bonemeal in the garden bed and Miracle Grow in the summer. Hopefully someone could advise me on how to make my peony season a little longer than several days. I heard they were long lasting cut flowers but maybe I misunderstood. Any advice would be helpful.

Thanking you in advance,

suebot

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Comments (2)

maifleur01
17 years ago
Cut back on the Miracle Grow. Cut your flowers before they are open. Some use the marsh mellow test. Cut the flowers when the buds feel like marshmellows. American Peony Society is having a meeting in Swarthmore, PA June 16-18, 2006 at the college. There will be growers and interested parties there. You might even find that someone in your neighborhood is a member. Next year in Kansas City.

Too much fertilizer will grow lots of foliage but sometimes reduce the amount of flowers.
suebot
Original Author
17 years ago
Maifleur-
I think the marshmallow test is a great idea. I just went out to cut a few buds that felt like marshmallows. I love having blooms in my yard and never feel there are enough to cut to enjoy in the privacy of my home. I will definitely cut back on the Miracle Grow. I apply it via a hose because I have other flows in the bed that might benefit from Miracle Grow but I will try to not spray the peonies. Thanks for you advice,
suebot in CT
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