How to Harvest Peonies Without Harming Ants
WouterDuring the late spring and summer, peonies attract ants. These ants feed on the sticky sugars secreted by peony buds. They also help protect peony flowers from sap-sucking insects.
The ants are not harmful to the peonies. In fact, they are quite helpful to the soil. They help maintain the balance of the ecosystem and deter other pests. However, if you want to harvest the peonies, you must be careful.
There are several ways to harvest peonies without harming ants. The most effective method is to shake the peonies. You can also remove the buds. This will also help remove any spiders that are present.
Another method is to place the peonies in water. The water will also help to encourage the blooming process. However, you will have to keep the water level low, as peonies cannot be fully opened. This will prevent the ants from crawling out of the water.
You can also leave the peonies outdoors. However, you should avoid leaving the peonies in the sun. This is because the ants may not have left by then. They may have left to get nectar elsewhere.
You can also submerge the buds in water before they bloom. This will help to reduce the sweetness of the peonies. This will prevent the ants from reproducing.
The best time to harvest peonies is in the early morning. They will last longer and be more fresh. It is also important to remember to hold them upside down. This will prevent the stem from breaking and the heads from falling off.
