Interview with Julia our local Peony grower

Last Peony season, Sam (from Bespoke Design Co) and I, took a trip out to Julia Howell’s peony paddock to get the lowdown on what it takes to grow these special blooms. Here’s the story…

So, who do we get our Peony Roses from?

Meet Julia –

 

1. Tell us how you got started in the flower growing business?

A few years ago, I worked on a peony rose farm and fell in love with them – and why wouldn’t you?

We bought a house with a block of land at the back, and it was a case of peonies or ponies!

I purchased 300 plants to start with, and have had to replace quite a few over the years.

2. What sort of care and growing conditions do they need to thrive?

Peonies love all the weather – frost, sun etc. They need rain, but not too wet, and they dislike competition, so keep the area around them weed-free.

I have a great little rhyme to remember and keep us from panicking because they are not flowering in the first season:

• First year they sleep.
• Second year they creep.
• Third year they leap.

Different varieties behave differently. For instance, ‘Coral Supreme’ are pretty hardy and bud straight away, but other peonies are slower to get flowers.

Feed them ANZAC Day and Cup Day. They like a pH of about 7, and give them a dose of dolomite after flowering.

Julia’s advice is to always buy your peonies from a good grower, with at least 3 eyes (if buying them in the dormant stage).

3. Are there any secrets as to when to pick them?

In the first year take off any buds that form to allow the plant to establish. Then pick the blooms when the bud feels like marshmallow, and make sure you cut the stem right at the base.

4. What time of year are they available?

Their flowering period in Hamilton and Victoria starts in late October – depending on the weather it could be earlier or later. Always the gorgeous coral colours are first to bloom, followed by the pinks, white and reds.

I usually recommend that if you want peonies in your wedding flowers plan for a November wedding, after Cup Day to be sure. They are seasonal, not hothouse grown and I feel this is part of what makes them special. If you see them available at other times of the year they will be imported.

Be ready to enjoy these beautiful flowers when in season, they are really worth it.