Why and how do you do it?

Drying petals for tea

the edible Peony petals can be dried so that they can later be used for tea, for example. They have an intense smell, are colorful and give off a pleasant aroma to the hot water in tea.

You should harvest and dry the petals as follows:

• harvest the flowers shortly after they have opened
• alternatively, just pick individual petals
• Let the petals dry on a tray or wooden board in the shade
• Gentle drying is also possible in the dehydrator
• Duration: 2 to 5 days

About 1 teaspoon of the dried petals is poured over 250 ml of boiling water. The tea has a positive effect on health, among other things:

• helps with cramps in the gastrointestinal tract
• relieves gout and rheumatism
• helps with respiratory infections and diseases
• promotes menstruation

Collect the follicles and dry them

Anyone who collects the peonies' follicles will soon be able to take the seeds out of them and dry them. However, they are difficult to germinate or first have to go through a cold spell. It is therefore better to use the

Peony seeds to be taken and to be sowed immediately. With increasing storage they lose their ability to germinate.

Suitable peonies for dry bouquets

Bridal bouquets in particular are often dried in order to be able to remember the wedding visually even after many years. However, not all peonies are good for making dry bouquets. The petals of many varieties fall apart as they dry.

However, these varieties have proven themselves:

• Paeonia lactiflora 'Festiva Maxima'
• Paeonia lactiflora 'Jan van Leeuwen'
• Paeonia lactiflora 'Kansas'
• Paeonia lactiflora 'Lady Alexandra Duff'
• Paeonia lactiflora 'Shirley Temple'
• Paeonia officinalis 'Alba Plena'
• Paeonia officinalis 'Rubra Plena'
• Paeonia Hybrid 'Coral Charm'