A seemingly long winter has not stopped Central Otago peonies from blooming.
Thousands of peonies in shades of white, pink, coral and red are being picked at Tarras peony farm Thyme Hill Peonies.
Thyme Hill Peonies co-owner John Morrison said the company grew about 8000 plants each year.
The picking season began on November 5 and would end on December 16, which made for a ''full-on'' six weeks.
Thyme Hill Peonies co-owner Mick Burdon said peonies were ''water gutses'' and a new water irrigation system at the farm had been installed about three weeks ago.''
Each plant needs between 20 to 25 litres of water a week.''
The water had come from the Lindis River, but because there were going to be restrictions on the water, the farm was now pumping water in from the Clutha River.
Mr Morrison said peonies had been grown at the farm for 15 years.
Growing the bright blooms was a ''good little occupation'', he said.
After being picked and chilled for a day the Tarras peonies are sent to places as far afield as the Middle East.
