How Do Ants Help Flowers Bloom?
WouterDespite the fact that peonies are known to attract ants, they do not need them to bloom. Rather, ants help them by protecting them from harmful pests. They also feed on the sugars and nutrients that the peony provides.
The peony has a sticky sap that attracts ants. When ants see this sap, they climb the flower bud to drink it. Once they’ve finished drinking it, they leave the bloom in search of other food sources.
Some ants can survive under water for up to 14 days. The ants on the peony will not be killed by insecticides. However, it is important to remove them when they are on the flowers. They can be safely removed by dipping the peony in water and shaking the flower.
When ants crawl on a peony, they’re looking for the nectar that is secreted by the peony. They may also rest on unopened buds. Leaving them on the flower can attract other insects that want to feed on the peony.
Peony flowers can be picked early in the morning when the buds are soft. This will make them last longer. They can also be cut when the buds are closed. This is called the marshmallow stage. The marshmallow stage is when the flower buds are soft, but not open. This prevents ants from finding the nectar.
Peony buds secrete a sticky substance called nectaries. The nectar attracts ants and provides them with the sugars and nutrients they need to survive.
