What to Expect When You Order Peonies Online
What to Expect When You Order Peonies Online
Ordering peonies online is a little different than picking up a bouquet at a store—and knowing what to expect makes all the difference.
Because our weather warms earlier than the larger peony farms up north, we’re able to harvest some of the first peonies of the season.
We grow and ship our peonies from our North Carolina farm during a short spring window, cutting each stem at the stage where it can travel well and still open beautifully once it arrives.
If it’s your first time ordering fresh-cut peonies, it helps to know what to expect when your bundle shows up at your door.
They’re Cut to Travel—Not Fully Open
Peonies aren’t shipped in full bloom.
They’re cut in what’s often called the soft bud—or “marshmallow”—stage, when the blooms are just beginning to show color and feel soft to the touch. At this point, they’re ready to continue opening—but still strong enough to handle the journey.
We walk our peony rows three times a day, harvesting each stem at just the right moment—when it’s ready to travel and ready to bloom.
They May Look a Little Tired at First
After shipping, your peonies may not look like the full, fluffy blooms you see in photos.
They might feel slightly soft, and the blooms may look a little relaxed from the trip.
That’s completely normal.
They haven’t been sitting in water—they’ve just come out of a box. With a quick refresh, they come back quickly.
A Simple Refresh Makes All the Difference
Getting them started is easy:
- Trim about 1–2 inches off the stems
- Place them in a clean vase with cool, fresh water
- Let them rest and hydrate
- Place your vase of peonies out of direct sunlight
Within a few hours, you’ll start to see them perk up. Over the next day or two, the blooms begin to open and take shape.
They Open Gradually
Peonies don’t all bloom at once—and that’s part of what makes them special.
Some will open sooner, others more slowly, creating a natural, evolving arrangement over several days.
Instead of arriving at their peak, you get to enjoy them as they get there.
Every Bundle Is a Little Different
Our Grower’s Choice bundles reflect what’s blooming best in the field that week.
That might mean a mix of varieties—or sometimes a single variety that’s at its peak.
We select each bundle for freshness, balance, and beauty, but no two are exactly the same.
A Small Keepsake to Enjoy a Little Longer
These are the kinds of thoughtful details that come with ordering directly from our farm—small touches that make peony season feel a little more special.
As your peonies open and eventually fade, their petals can still be enjoyed.
Each order includes two peony petal sachets—one to keep and one to share. Gently pull the petals, let them dry naturally, and tuck them inside.
They hold a soft, light fragrance on their own—and if you’d like something a bit stronger, you can add a drop or two of essential oil.
A simple way to hold onto a little bit of peony season.
Ready to Order Peonies Online?
Ordering peonies online is a little different—but once you know what to expect, it’s simple.
They arrive just beginning to open, and over the next few days, you get to enjoy them as they come into full bloom.