Marketing expert promotes Alaska peony industry

Ko Klaver talks about the Alaska Grown labeling of Alaska peonies  during the conference. Photo courtesy of Arctic Alaska Peonies

During his keynote presentation at the Alaska Peony Growers
Association winter conference last Friday, Ko Klaver encouraged peony growers to keep planting.

Klaver, a floriculture marketing expert and the industry
liaison for the association, told attendees, “The opportunities for peony
growers in Alaska are phenomenal.”

He pointed to a map that shows the locations of peonies
grown around the world. Many are grown in temperate areas, but Alaska stands
alone as a peony producer at 60 degrees latitude.

“You’re still in a unique position,” he told those gathered.
But that might not last. “There’s a lot of ambitious people out there,” he
said, “Most of them have a Dutch last name.”

Alaska can supply peonies from July to August, at a time
other locations do not.

“That is your niche,” he said. “That is your opportunity.”

He noted that it’s possible that other northern locations,
such as Iceland or Scandinavian countries, could get in on the market so it’s
wise for Alaska to take the lead and develop its market now.

Klaver said there were around 200,000 peony roots in the
ground in Alaska in 2016 and that number is expected to grow to 250,000 this
year. He urged growers to continue planting, with the idea that Alaska can
easily provide more to the world market, which is currently dominated by
Klaver’s place of birth, the Netherlands.

The Alaska harvest numbers aren’t complete for the 2016
season, but the 2015 season brought sales of around 70,000 stems, which sold
for $3 to $7. Each plant takes several years to develop stems and produces an
average of eight buds when mature. By comparison, the Netherlands sold about
120 million peony stems in 2016. Klaver believes that Alaska can produce and
sell at least 3 million stems annually in the future. “The market is there,” he
assured growers.

Klaver said only about 20 percent of the cut flowers sold in
the U.S. are produced domestically.

Klaver urged growers to work together to improve their
storage and shipping methods and to seek economy. Buyers want a reliable supply
of peonies in good condition. By getting things in place now, such as larger
coolers, growers will be ready for a much greater supply of Alaska-grown
peonies.

Growers attended the annual peony conference for information
on the latest research on soils, pests and on growing peonies, and advice on
varieties, marketing and shipping. They also networked with other growers. Around
30 growers attended a school for beginning growners on the first day of the
conference.

A couple sitting at my table had attended the beginners
school, and they have planted about 60 roots so far. “If they come up, we’re
in,” said the grower, who is from Soldotna. If they do well, they may plant two
acres.

SNRE Emeritus Professor Pat Holloway said that, as of 2015, 69
growers could be considered commercial peony growers, with 500 or more roots planted.
There were 147 individuals who had fewer than 500 roots or were starting the
planting process.

The School of Natural Resources and Extension has had a significant
role in Alaska peony research. Holloway planted the first experimental field of
peonies at the Georgeson Botanical Garden in 2001 and she spent more than 15
years experimenting with varieties and growing methods. Although she retired in
2015, she still conducts annual surveys for the association.

Other researchers from SNRE continue with peony research. During
the conference, Mingchu Zhang presented information about his research
involving micronutrients and plant nutrition, and retired agronomics researcher
Bob Van Veldhuizen led a post-conference workshop on soils. Information by
State Horticulture Specialist Steven Seefeldt was also presented.

Conference organizer Ron Illingworth said that more than 125
people attended, including beginning and experienced growers and others who are
considering planting peonies. An additional 25 presenters also attended.