To add a bit... the "perfect time" to cut them is when the buds are
soft like a marshmallow. Some added advice from an excommercial grower
with 1/4 acre of them to cut.... If you want big flowers pinch off the
side buds when they are tiny, if you leave them you get a bunch of
smaller flowers on a single stem, they look great either way. DO NOT
let them open on the plant for cut flowers! They won't last, maybe a
couple of days. Cut when I said and place the stems in HOT water (so
hot you can barely stand to hold your hand in it), add about a
teaspoon of vinegar, a tablespoon+ of sugar and if possible a drop of
bleach in a pint (2cups)of water, change the water every day (they
drink like fish the first couple of days), after day one the
"treatment" helps but isn't as nessacary. They will take a couple of
days to open, but they will last over a week, up to 2! treated like
this. Ohhh and when you get them in the house recut the stems under
water, it does work!


"Doug Kanter" wrote in message ...
"Ann" wrote in message
...
"Doug Kanter" expounded:

I can't seem to find this in any of my gardening books - I have a peony
plant whose buds are now about the size of chickpeas. When's the best
time
to cut a few stems to put in a vase? Now? When they show a bit of flower?
Next Tuesday?

When they are opening. If you cut them now, they'll just die.


Thank you, Ann.