The Time Frame For Peony Seeds To Bloom
When growing roses from seed the seeds may be stratified by mixing with damp peat moss and placing in a refrigerator. After the first few weeks the seeds should be examined every few days and those that have germinated should be removed and planted.
As hybrid Rose seed requires a period of from 50-300 days at an average temperature of 41 degrees to germinate it is my opinion that a lot of unnecessary labor is involved in handling them this way. Contact with moist soil for a definite period, protection from rodents who are exceptionally fond of Rose seeds, and patience are the fundamental necessities in raising Roses from seed.
Those who lack patience had best overlook the Peony as, under average conditions, about six years must elapse before the first bloom may be expected and another two or three years must pass before the bloom has reached its ultimate in perfection. The seed will usually germinate in two years from planting and from three to four years more are required for plant to develop to blooming size.
The single or Japanese varieties germinate a bit more rapidly. The slow germination of the Peony seed is probably due to the fact that the outer coating is exceedingly hard and nature appears to insist that this soften gradually. Efforts to hasten germination by filing, sand papering or cutting this outer shell may hasten germination a bit but I have found that the resultant seedlings lack the vitality of those that have not been hurried.
If seeds are planted while the outer coating is still yellow and soft germination will be prompt and some fair plants will result in a few weeks. This method requires careful watching and considerable experience as the seed must he planted in that comparatively short period between maturing. and ripening. It is undoubtedly safer to pick seeds when ripe, store in damp peat moss over winter and plant in a deeply prepared seed bed in early spring.
A few may germinate during the summer but the majority will remain dormant until the following summer. It is impractical to plant Peony seeds in flats as they are very deep rooted. In fact, a root six inches long may develop before leaf growth is begun. Spacing of seeds should be such that plants may remain in seed bed until late summer of the year following germination. in other words, they should be at least one year old before planting in the field. Protection from strong winds and hot sun should be offered the first year or two after transplanting.
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Thank you for sharing your information about starting peonies from seeds. I just might gather some seeds this time around and try my hand at it.
I love peonies. I have been growing peonies for quite a while now, They are beautiful but I;ve never attempted to grow them from seeds.
Very interesting and satisfying information. Definately my favorite flower. I would love to grow them, but just a little too warm here. One day I will get to a farm that grows them. Maybe Tassie.