The best time to cut peony flowers is when the buds are in what is called the “marshmallow” stage. This means the buds feel soft and slightly spongy to the touch but have not yet opened. At this stage, the buds are starting to open but the petals have not emerged fully. Cutting peonies at the marshmallow stage allows the flowers to continue blooming in the vase and maximizes their vase life. The ideal time of day to cut peonies is early morning, preferably right after the dew has dried. This timing ensures the flowers are well- hydrated and helps them retain moisture and freshness once cut. When cutting, use very sharp, clean garden shears or scissors for a clean cut that helps prevent infection and allows the plant to heal properly. To summarize:

• Cut peonies when buds are soft like marshmallows but not open.
• Best time of day to cut: early morning after dew dries.
• Use sharp, clean tools for cutting.
• Cut the longest possible stem to encourage healthy plant growth.

This timing and method give you the longest-lasting and most beautiful peony flowers for your arrangements.