Peonies as Field-grown Cut Flowers

The objective of this project is to identify methods of growing peonies for field-grown cut flower production.

Approach
Thirty peony cultivars were planted in 2001 in replicated trials. Data were collected on survival, bloom time, bloom quality and productivity in 2002 and 2003. Additionally, ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ peonies were planted at three spacings and on soils amended with Lemeta peat and municipal sludge in 2002. A third trail was added in 2004 with shading to slow flower formation even further. Data listed above will be collected during the next 10 years.

Progress
Peonies bloomed from 30 June through 4 August, 2002. Flowering stem height ranged from 32 cm to 63 cm during the second year, and flowers ranged from 5 per plant to none. All but six cultivars showed some bud blast due to powdery mildew. The most productive cultivars for stems in full bloom were: Bowl of Beauty, Sarah Bernhardt, Louis Van Houtte, Karl Rosenfield and Felix Crouse.The spacing and soil amendment experiment was planted in July 2002.

Impact
This project will provide guidelines for local growers interested in cultivating peonies as cut flowers for export.

Holloway, P. S., J.T. Hanscom and G.E.M. Matheke. 2004. Peonies for field cut flower production. Second-year growth. University of Alaska Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. Research Progress Report No 43. 4p.

Holloway, P. S., J.T. Hanscom and G.E.M. Matheke. 2003. Peonies for field cut flower production. First-year growth. University of Alaska Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. Research Progress Report No 41. 4p.