How to Remove Ants From Peonies
WouterOftentimes, peony growers find ants on their flowers. This can be a nuisance. Fortunately, there are a few ways to remove these insects without harming the petals.
The first step is to know which bud is the most likely to produce the ant-attracting nectar. Peonies produce a sticky sap rich in carbohydrates and amino acids. This sap is used by the ants for food and also to protect the buds from other insects.
The next step is to find the best time to harvest your peonies. You can cut them while they are still in bud, or wait for them to bloom indoors. This will minimize the number of disease problems you’ll have to deal with later on.
The best time to cut a peony is when they are at the marshmallow bud stage. This is when the buds are soft when squeezed. It’s also when the ants aren’t a threat yet.
Another way to remove ants from your peonies is to put them in a vase filled with water. This is a gentle and effective way to get rid of them. You can also submerge the buds in water before blooming to cut down on ant reproduction.
It’s a bit of a myth that peonies need ants to open their flowers. They are in fact quite efficient at using a temporary food source. They have a few different ants that assist them in the growth of the plants.
One of the most effective ways to remove ants from your peony flowers is to simply shake them. Ants like to follow scent trails, and a shake of the wand will do the trick.
