Finally got my peonies to open on time for a big wedding order

I had this huge order for 30 centerpieces for a wedding at the Grandview Hotel this Saturday, and the peonies were still tight buds on Thursday morning. I was panicking. I remembered an old florist in my town, Mrs. Ellis, once told me to put them in warm water, not cool, to trick them. I filled a bucket with water that was about 90 degrees and let them sit for 4 hours. It actually worked and they were perfect by Friday. Has anyone else tried this with other stubborn flowers like ranunculus?

3 comments

3 Comments

ryan49420d ago

Ranunculus are the worst for that, they always seem to stay shut. I had a batch that just wouldn't budge for a mother's day rush. I used warm water like you said, but I also put them right under a bright, warm lamp for a couple hours. The heat from the bulb did the trick and they popped open overnight. It was a total lifesaver.

the_julia20d ago

Oh that's such a good trick! I had the same panic with some roses last year that just would not open. My grandma told me to add a tiny bit of sugar to lukewarm water and to cut the stems again under running water. It felt weird but it totally worked, they were full by the next morning. I've never tried it with ranunculus though, I always struggle with those too lol.

the_jake20d ago

Wait sugar in the water? Honestly that sounds like it would just make the water all sticky and gross. I can't believe it actually works for opening flowers up. Grandma tricks are wild sometimes.