About Omeo
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Tony and Judy Banks own Omeo Peonies.The name Omeo comes from Omeo Creek which springs from the Old Man Range and runs through the property. The land was purchased in 1977 primarily to grow and dry apricots. Changes in markets and government policies required a new direction. A trial plot of peonies was planted in 1986. |
They proved so successful that peonies have now taken over as the predominant crop at Omeo. There is now 1ha of peonies and only 0.7ha of apricots left. Part of the property is leased to nearby orchardists who have planted peaches. In addition to production of peonies, Tony and Judy run a packhouse for 16 other growers around Central Otago.
There are around 10,000 peony plants on the property and 80 different varieties. Omeo’s peonies are supplied to markets around the world and have been used on such occasions as a royal wedding in Belgium and high society parties in New York. Harvest begins mid-late October depending on the season and carrries on to mid December. After Thanksgiving in the USA the primary focus is on the Christmas market worldwide, with red and white being the colours most in demand. |
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The flowers are chilled immediately after picking. They are graded for quality and bunched. On receipt of orders, the peonies are packed into boxes and shipped to exporters in Auckland. From there they are flown around the world. Thirty six hours after leaving the packhouse they can be for sale on the New York market. Peony plants are sold as ‘root divisions' and orders are taken at any time of the year. The roots are dug and delivered in April-May. |
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