Your gardeners guide to the perfect peonies!
With Peony season lasting only a few weeks, Emma Real-Davies shares her simple yet effective hacks to help your peonies open up quicker and last longer.
And we go live to Little Buds Peony Farm in Kent to find out about this year's harvest.
Emma's tips
1. Always buy them in bud stage, so you have them for as long as possible
2. Cut the stems at least an inch, always cut diagonally to give them the most access to water
3. Use the premade flower food it is supplied with, or buy your own to keep them fresh
4. Keep the water clean! Either refresh your water or use a penny, bleach or vodka can work
5. Keep them cool, once in the vase keep them out of direct sunlight and in a colder space
6. Put them in the fridge if you can, this top it really works and can really extend their life
7. Once they have bloomed and are coming to the end of their life, you can pick the petals and dry them/ press them to keep as homemade potpourri, or to use for any summer party for decoration.