How to Get Peonies to Open and Keep Them Fresh Longer
Peonies are floral royalty—lush, romantic, and completely show-stopping. But they’re also a little high-maintenance! If you've ever bought peonies in tight bud form and found them stubbornly refusing to bloom, you're not alone. The good news? There are a few florist-approved tricks to get those gorgeous petals to unfurl fast—and keep them looking beautiful in the vase for as long as possible.
How to Encourage Peonies to Open
1. Pick the Right Bud Stage
Look for buds in the “marshmallow stage”—they are soft and slightly squishy. Hard-as-rock buds are unlikely to open.
2. Warm Water Soak
Place stems in warm (not hot) water when you get home. The warmth helps encourage the blooms to open.
3. Remove Sticky Sap Gently
Sometimes, peonies stay shut because they’re coated in a sticky sap. Run the closed buds under lukewarm water and gently rinse to remove it.
4. Massage or Tap the Buds (Yes, Really!)
Lightly tap or flick the outer petals with your fingertips. You can also gently roll the bud between your fingers or massage the base to help loosen the petals. This mimics natural forces, such as wind and rain, that encourage blooming.
5. Peel Back Guard Petals
Carefully remove or pull back the outer guard petals to help the bloom open. Do this gently to avoid damaging the inner petals.
6. Bright, Warm Spot
Place your peonies in a bright room (not in direct sunlight), where warmth can help coax the blooms open.
How to Keep Peonies Fresh Longer
1. Start Clean
Use a squeaky-clean vase to avoid bacterial buildup.
2. Recut Stems on an Angle
Trim the stems under running water to avoid air bubbles and help them absorb water.
3. Strip Lower Leaves
Remove any leaves below the waterline to prevent rot.
4. Add Flower Food
Use commercial flower food, or make your own by mixing a teaspoon of sugar with a drop of bleach or lemon juice.
5. Change Water Daily
Fresh water = fresh flowers. Rinse the stems and vase every 1–2 days.
6. Keep Cool
Display away from heat, direct sunlight, and fruit (which releases ethylene gas that accelerates wilting).
Create an account