When you believe of peonies , Alaska would n’t be the first place that comes to mind - until two decades ago . Patricia Holloway , a horticultural researcher at the University of Alaska Fairbanks , remember a conference held by the university in the late nineties . " A client verbalizer was a mown bloom grower from Oregon . From my introduction , this grower learned about hardy peonies blooming in July in Fairbanks . From the grower , I memorize about the possibility of unique markets in tardy summer . I set up inquiry labor to learn if we could spring up peony as field grown cut peak . Nearly 20 years later on , there are 136 growers in Alaska shipping peonies mostly as domestic exportation to other states but also to Canada , and tryout shipments to Vietnam , Taiwan , Singapore , etc . "
Peonies field at Far North Flowers , Fairbanks ( AK ) .
Environment and transportThere are several cistron that contribute to Alaska being particularly worthy for peony culture . Patricia points to the high latitude , cold temperatures to fulfill chill requirements , comparatively nerveless summertime temperatures , specially evening temp that advance gamy tone blossom and recollective vase life . Also worldwide air load rapture system mostly out of Anchorage - accessible market going east and west with large cargo traffic .
The latter in particular give Alaska a unique advantage , Patricia say . " I have hear grower in northern Finland are seek to emulate what we start . I have no doubtfulness there are recess around the world that could do the same thing . No agriculturist here take up we have a monopoly on this late time of year . However , many of the northern regions do not have the approachable transportation link that Alaska has - the 3rd bombastic air lading hub in the cosmos . That build a big deviation when transporting a perishable product . "
Peonies being harvest at Northern Lights Peonies in Fairbanks ( AK ) and a peony in the fields of Pioneer Peonies in Wasilla Festiva Maxima ( AK ) .
DiversificationSo , why the choice for peonies in particular ? " The peony is the first peak we acquire about with the late flower dates " , Patricia explains . " Since then , we have find others - lily - of - the - vale , spiraea species , lilac , etc . - that might prove interesting . However , Alaska has no history of acquire cut flowers for export , and the learning curve for growers and investigator likewise has been vast . diverseness will derive as cultivator learn the diligence . "
She expects variegation to occur within the peony segment as well . " There are K of named peony cultivars , and we have just touched the surface . Most abundant properly now are Sarah Bernhardt , Duchesse de Nemours , Felix Crousse , Festiva Maxima , but that is by no means the total list . Growers are trialing a sight of cultivars from around the world in all flower styles and colouring from the gorgeous yellow Garden Treasure to the finicky , but beautiful Coral Charm . "
Peonies being bundle ( Picture taken at Howling Downs Peonies , Two Rivers ( AK ) )
ChallengesIn other words , plenty of opportunities - but there are challenge as well . This time of year played mayhem with Alaskan paeony raiser , specially since it was hot from Fairbanks all the means to the coast . " That might not have been a job , but the lower 48 Department of State were delayed by cold and rain . There is a bit of overlap with some region of Alaska " , Patricia say . " This is nothing fresh , however . Because peony is mostly a plain grown cut flower , it is always susceptible to the whims of the weather , wherever it is mature . I hear people all over the reality remarking on tardy or early seasons . spheric warming is an issue for everyone - especially in the increasing volatility of the weather . decent now , there is no consistent pattern no matter where you are on this planet . Everyone should be interested about globose heating no matter where you are . "
Peonies quick for shipping ( at Alaska Peony Cooperative , Willow ( AK ) )
Alaskan peony growers are also facing harvest protection challenges : " Like everywhere , botrytis grey mould is an issue , and we are actively go after research to downplay its occurrent both in the field and cold entrepot . We are research management of thrips that could impact alien exportation marketplace . "
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is also researching best practice for cultivator in the state , since very small is jazz about optimum nutrition and fertiliser for peony . " We grow great cutting off prime in Alaska but work with shippers to preserve the frigid chain from growers to buyers is very frustrative . We are explore methods of foresightful term cold depot - right now the good word is max . 4 weeks computer storage to maintain quality bloom and vase life . How to draw out that a few more hebdomad - that is a big question . " But perhaps the biggest challenge of all is simply develop existence markets about the availability of summer peony .
© FloralDaily.com/Jan Jacob Mekes
