New Zealand: Peony growers' business blooming

When Rodger and Cindy Whitson decided to get into the cut flower industry back in 2000, they started with a bare paddock and no horticultural knowledge.

They trialled gentians, viburnum and peonies before deciding peonies were best suited to their property, near Mosgiel.

Peony plant numbers have since swelled from 2000 to about 10,000, with plans for more plantings.

The big, blowsy blooms are predominantly destined for the export market but a small number are sold at the couple's stall at the Otago Farmers Market.

They had started picking over the past couple of weeks and were shipping coral peonies to the United States this week in time for Thanksgiving.

About 40% of their crop is destined for the US, while the rest is sold to Asia and Australia.

The six-week peak picking period was due to ''start any time now'', finishing just before Christmas, Mr Whitson said.

Their business, Janefield Paeonies, is a medium-sized commercial operation.

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