Paeonia lactiflora is a high-value crop with a temperature-dependent growth response that requires worldwide production to satisfy year-round demand. The objective of this study was to evaluate the production and timing of the 'Coral Charm' peony as a cool-season crop in the US Intermountain West.
Growers across the United States have developed local niche markets for specialty cut-flower crops that are in demand by consumers for their unique blooms and fresh quality. Included in this growth are nontraditional regions for cut-flower production, such as the US Intermountain West. However, environmental conditions in the high-elevation, semi-arid climate limit production quantity, quality, and timing.
Applying established temperature thresholds from greenhouse to field production may help advance and stagger harvest, thus benefiting small farms that do not have access to indoor growing spaces. One primary method for advancing field production is through the use of high tunnels (HTs), which allow for natural chilling in winter and passive heating in spring. The use of low tunnels (LTs) within HTs can increase air temperature by 4.9 °C during the day and by 3.1°C at night. However, targeting soil heating (H) as an early-season method to advance production has not been tested on peony in HT or field environments, where soil temperature is less coupled with air temperature.
Trialing in HTs, LTs, and with H methods to advance and stagger peony production may allow growers in cool regions to target peak marketing times. 'Coral Charm' has exceptional market demand in the US Intermountain West because of its long stem length and double bloom, which fades from bright coral to cream. Although an early-blooming cultivar, harvest occurs from mid-May to early June under unforced field conditions in northern Utah. Advancing peak production to meet the demand for Mother's Day (early to mid-May), a top holiday for cut-flower sales, and Memorial Day (late May) may create premium pricing options for growers. Therefore, the objectives of this study were 1) to evaluate the bloom timing and production duration of peony 'Coral Charm' with HTs, LTs, and H vs. unprotected field conditions in northern Utah and 2) to analyze the total yield and quality of stem production from each management practice and assess market outcomes.
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