How to Harvest, Store & Enjoy Peonies Like a Pro
Harvesting & Enjoying Peonies: A Quick Guide to Making the Most of the Season
Peony season is almost here — that magical time when the garden bursts into bloom with soft, ruffled petals in every shade of blush, white, coral, and magenta.
Whether you’ve planted peonies in your yard or are dreaming of gathering armfuls someday, here’s a simple, down-to-earth guide to harvesting, storing, and enjoying these floral showstoppers.
When (and How) to Harvest Peonies
The secret to a long-lasting peony bouquet is catching blooms at just the right moment — what we call the “marshmallow stage.”
Gently squeeze the bud:
If it feels soft and squishy like a marshmallow — it’s ready!
If it’s still firm like a golf ball, it might not open fully.
If it’s already fully open, enjoy it in the garden — it won’t last long once cut.
Harvesting tips:
Pick in the cool morning or evening to help blooms stay hydrated.
Check often during heat spells — blooms may open fast throughout the day. Even though mid-day isn’t ideal, go ahead and cut if you need to catch them before they burst open.
Use clean, sharp snips and cut stems at an angle.
Strip any leaves that will sit below the water line in your vase to keep water clean and clear.
Want to Store Blooms for Later?
If you’re lucky enough to have more peonies than you can use (what a dream!), you can absolutely store them for later — perfect for events, special occasions, or just spreading the beauty out a little longer.
Two ways to store:
1. In water (short-term):
Place freshly cut stems in a cool place with clean water. Let them hydrate for a few hours before arranging.
2. Dry-stored in the fridge (longer-term):
Cut buds at marshmallow stage
Wrap dry stems in newspaper or kraft paper (no water)
Lay flat in the fridge
When you’re ready, unwrap, trim the stems, and rehydrate in water
It’s a little bit of floral magic ✨
Bouquet Tips: Let Peonies Shine
Peonies are natural showstoppers — but they also play beautifully with others. Try combining them with:
Soft filler like feverfew, baby’s breath, or mint
Sweet accents like lisianthus, sweet peas, or snapdragons
More bouquet tips:
Let stems rest in water before arranging
Change the water daily and trim stems every couple of days
Keep your bouquet in a cool spot, out of direct sunlight and away from heat
Don’t Worry About the Ants
Seeing ants on your peony buds? Totally normal! The buds produce a sugary sap that attracts ants — they don’t harm the blooms. Just give your flowers a gentle shake or rinse before bringing them inside.
Peony Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends
Peonies can live for 100 years or more in the right spot — truly a plant that gives for generations.
Some varieties, like Coral Charm, change colour as they bloom.
They symbolize love, prosperity, healing, and romance — no wonder they’re wedding favourites.
Peonies came to Canada with European settlers, and have been treasured here ever since.
Whether you grow your own or hope to visit a local cut flower farm one day (I'm seriously considering it — let me know if you'd come!!), peonies are one of the season’s sweetest gifts.
If you’d like more garden tips, follow along — and don’t forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram or Facebook!
Happy gardening,
🌸 Heidi
