Each year we collect seeds from our collection of Northwest Cultivar Group (rockii) tree peonies. You can order them from our website or send us $12 to receive 25 freshly harvested in late August. (Price includes postage.) We also have limited numbers of other peony seeds for sale. Please see our website for full information. Get your requests to us soon, we can only provide seeds a limited number of seeds each year.
Late August to early September will be the time to collect this year’s peony seeds. The vast majority of peonies yield viable seeds so if you left the pods on the plant all summer, try your hand at raising a crop of peonies from seed. Peonies raised from seed do not come true to the parent plant, though they may strongly resemble it. Almost all cultivated tree and herbaceous peonies are hybrids far removed from their wild species ancestors. The exception to this rule are seeds collected from a single species of peony which did not cross pollinate with other peonies.
Intersectional hybrid (Itoh) peonies are sterile and do not yield viable seeds. Unfortunately some garden favorites like the advanced herbaceous hybrids ‘Coral Charm’ and “Lois’ Choice’ are also infertile. Most of the European and American ‘lutea’ hybrid tree peonies like ‘Leda’ or ‘High Noon’ very rarely produce viable seeds. However, these are but a very small subsection of the peony world, the overwhelming majority of Chinese and Japanese tree and herbaceous peonies all yield large quantities of fertile seeds that will soon be ripe for the picking and planting.
Right now the beautiful star shaped pods are swelling and beginning to turn from a leathery green to brown in color. Seeds are ready to be harvested when the seedpod has turned a dark tallow-brown. We generally harvest our tree peony seeds here between the 3rd week of August and early September.
The herbaceous seeds are ready a bit later, around the end of August.
Methods for Seeding Tree and Herbaceous Peonies
When the seed pods have become a dark brown color and are just beginning to crack open, the seeds are ripe and ready to be harvested. Open up each segment of the seed pod carefully and remove the seeds. Damaged seeds will not germinate.
When fully ripe, peony seeds develop a double-dormancy which consists of a hard outer seed coat and dormant embryo. Germination occurs when air and water are able to penetrate the seed coat and reach the embryo.
Direct seeding outdoors
Freshly harvested seeds may germinate in the same season (in the late fall) and sprout the following spring as a small green shoot above the soil. Directly planting dry seeds with a hard and dry seed coat may need two growing seasons to naturally overcome the double-dormancy. These seeds shown below are harvested a little too soon. We have learned that it is better to wait to harvest brown and black seeds, otherwise the seeds will easily mold if not cured and somewhat dry.
Plant fresh (tan, brown or black) seeds directly in a sandy loam, garden soil mixed with a little extra sand, perlite or aged bark nuggets for drainage. The pH should be near 7.0, which often means adding some garden lime to sweeten the soil. Either plant directly in a seed bed or use pots with good drainage holes, 10-12” in diameter. We prefer clay pots or root control bags for seeding, though plastic pots will work.
Plant seeds about 1-2” apart, 2“ deep, and water well to settle in. Seed orientation does not seem critical; the rootlet will find its way downward. At Cricket Hill Garden, we will sink the pot into the garden bed so it is protected in winter. Choose a site that is half sun, half shade. Cover over the seeds with 2-3 inches of mulch for protection from squirrels. If late summer and fall weather is hot and dry, water periodically to prevent drying. Normally, this is not needed after September in our climate. Later in fall, in late November, add 2-3 more inches of mulch for winter protection.
If conditions are right, the warm late summer weather will cause the seed to sprout and then cooler fall temperatures will promote root growth until the freezing weather. Nothing will show above soil level until next spring. Some seeds will not germinate until the second spring. Do not be impatient. We have given up on tree peony seed pots too soon, only to have them sprouting and growing in the compost pile! After two full years and 2 springs have past, and nothing shows, then likely you have a failure to germinate. This is often the case when you let the seeds dry out while germinating. So the first fall is very critical to have some moisture in the seed pot.
Remove mulch from the pot in spring about two weeks after the ground has thawed, leaving pot submerged in the garden. Observe any new growth by May. Young sprouts need to be watered and fed a mild liquid fertilizer, such as Neptune’s Harvest fish-seaweed fertilizer every other month during the growing season, April to September. Young sprouts will be about 2” tall.
Move young seedlings ONLY IN THE FALL. Allow them to grow undisturbed until September of their first year. After the first year space to about 6” apart in the garden.
Young plants may be moved again in the fall season of their third year to a more permanent location. Allow at least 4 to 5‘ for each plant (3′ for herbaceous peonies) choosing a well drained site with 5-6 hours of sun for tree peonies. Tree peony seedlings will often start to bloom in their fourth year. While herbaceous will sometimes bloom in their third year. Keep in mind that peonies sometimes take several years of immature flowers before they show their mature form.
We have found this ‘direct’ seeding method very effective for seeds of Northwest Cultivar group Chinese (P.rockii) tree peonies such as ‘Snow Lotus‘ and herbaceous peonies. Seeds from other hybrid groups of tree peonies may germinate more easy with the benefit of the steps described below.
GERMINATING FRESH PEONY SEEDS INDOORS
Open freshly harvested seed pods as described above. Instead of opening seed pods immediately after harvesting, some growers allow the pods to cure in brown paper bag for a week in your garage or a shady, dry area. After a week, carefully open the seedpods.
Place the seeds in a zip-lock bag of slightly damp fine sand or vermiculite. Put the bag in a warm place (around 80 degrees). We use the top of our refrigerator. Root growth may commence in 4-12 weeks, after which point the sprouted seeds (identifiable by protruding white rootlet) can be planted outside as described above or put in a refrigerator for a period of cold stratification of 3 months at 40 degrees (the vegetable crisper of the refrigerator is a good spot).
After this point the sprouted seeds can be planted in pots and either grown under lights indoors or gradually introduced to natural sunlight outdoors. A note of caution, the protruding rootlet is very fragile, so handle with care when planting. If seeds fail to germinate after the first cycle of hot/cold stratification, repeat the three months of warm treatment (around 80 degrees) followed by 3 months at 40 degrees.
Peony seeds which have a black or dark brown in color and have a hard seed coat. If these seeds are planted outside without any special treatment, it will likely take two growing seasons for the right combination of water, heat and bacteria to beak down the seed coat and allow water and air to reach the embryo. We recommend scarifying the seed with a file or medium sand paper. Two or three passes is all that is needed to gently rub the seed coat. See the photos below.
In order to speed germination, the seeds can be scarified. This is a method of physically breaking down the outer seed-coat. We use a rather course file.
About 2-3 light passes with the file is all that is required, filing too deep will damage the embryo. If you file the seed down to the point of the white interior, you have gone too deep. Filing so that you remove the outer seen if usually enough. It is only necessary to file a small section of the seed. A diluted solution of sulfuric acid can be used to scarify large batches of seeds.
If planting indoors, follow the instructions for warm/cold stratification in the section for planting fresh seeds.
Some other considerations regarding peony seeds:
- Single, and semi-double flowers tend to yield more seeds than complex double forms.
- Place in cold and dry storage if you are unable to plant right away.
- Seeds collected from single specimen tree peonies (not in proximity to any other tree peonies) may not be viable.
Some of the beautiful tree and herbaceous peonies we have raised from seed. We call them our own Peony Heaven hybrids, but really we are just stealing the credit of the bees and the wind!
I am not sure tthat I will have time to do this, this year but i HAVE left the seed pods on most of my deciduous and Tree Peonies. That, for another reason – my garden club does a “festival of Trees” every Holidy time as a fundraiser and we are always looking for interesting dried seed pods and other natural materials to use on wreaths and in arrangements to sell. So I thought I’d leave the seed pods on and see what I got come Fall. I think they will be very decorative sprayed with clear glaze or gold or even red!
Peonies make me happy!
We have used dried peony seed pods in holiday wreaths and they do make a very attractive addition.
let me give the experts a try. if followed precisely i should have some success???
We have a very high success rate. If you plant fresh peony seeds most should germinate before the end of the fall and produce growth in the spring.
Fantastic posting. You make it sound easy and fun. Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge and experience.
It is easy and very rewarding if you have a bit of patience.
Thank you sooo much for this article…. I just noticed for the first time in 3 yrs the black seeds and posted yesterday on a site on FB what they were and what I can do with them! I’m sooo excited now!!! I have rain today in CT so, I will wait till it stops then go gather my seeds and do what you say 🙂
Glad you found the post helpful. Happy Growing! – Dan
Your pictures are worth a thousand words! Thanks from a displaced Yankee here in Zone 8
Lovely site. Only recently propagated species rockii and am hooked. Thanks for such good info. Dom from Cambridge across the pond
Thanks for the kind words Dom. Good luck with the your rockii, they are truly spectacular. All my best- Dan
I am very interested in purchasing seeds when they are available.
You can purchase them on our website now and we will ship them when the are freshly harvested in the late summer.
Thanks so much for the education in your seed article!! I had no idea that you could grow from the seeds. I will definitely be ordering some of your seeds to try my luck. Peonies are absolutely my most favorite flower!!
how do you get the seeds out of the pod? the pod is verey hard, I can’t crack it with a nut cracker
The pods should crack open themselves when the seeds are ripe. Usually mid-August here in CT.
Bummer. My husband cut all the peony pods off too early.
Just have to wait until next year….
Thank you for the excellent article on growing tree peonies from seed. I have gardened here in NE for well over forty years, but it wasn’t until four years ago that I started growing tree peonies. What beautiful creations they are. This year I allowed a few seed pods to remain on one of my plants and they currently resemble the photos you attached to this article. I plan to follow your directions to the letter. Needless to say, I am very excited to see if I am successful in getting them to grow from seed. Thank you again for your encouragement and detailed information. Greatly appreciated!
Ted Griess
Hi Ted,
Thank you for the kind words. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Best-
Dan
I live in Central Florida. Will they grow here?
Tree peonies will grow in USDA zone 9. We have had many customers in the Orlando, FL area who are successful in growing tree peonies.
“Are there seeds available from the peony Heaven Tree Peony”?
Thank you so much for your fantastic article! I live in Australia and we are now at the end of a very hot Summer – BUT – I have a good crop of seed pods on my “Alice Harding” tree peony and shall follow your instructions to the letter and hope for success. Many thanks.
F. Kennedy, Melbourne.
I bought some tree peony seed from you last fall and followed your instructions. Right now I have three baby tree peonies!
Great! The others should germinate next year.
My herbacious Peonies seeded themselves and babies are everywhere, will they flower as a combination of whatever peony polinated them? Nature’s pick? Should I just leave them and move them farther apart when they are bigger?
Yes, I would recommend moving them apart, but only in the fall when the top growth dies back and the plant is dormant. Spacing should be 3′, but you can wait until they are older to put them this far apart. As to color, form, fragrance and habit, its very hard to say. They may resemble the mother plant, or they may not. Planting a seed is opening a pandora’s box of genetic possibilities. Good growing- Dan
Thank you for the information about the black seeds. Last fall I had planted some “mystery” black seeds I got, and was quite sad this spring when none had appeared. Now I know that maybe I need to wait until next year before they show up!
Just remember where you planted them and make sure it stays free of weeds. Hopefully they will sprout next spring.
Loved the post, thank you for all the great information. I live here in California and have been told that peonies don’t grow well with our climate. I purchased a few “bunches” at one of the local markets that strive on selling local items and I am anxious to know if what everyone is referring to as “pods” is that of what I see in my slowly dying blooms. It appears to me that the “pods” may be what I in fact see in the heart of the flower, just don’t want to start picking it apart quite yet.
I am willing to give it a try, these blooms are just beautiful! I had never before seen peonies in person and although it seems like a quite a task I am willing to try it out.
Any help is appreciated.
Hi- Unfortunately you will not be able to get viable seeds from cut flowers. They need to mature on the plant over the summer. What part of CA do you live in? Peonies grow well to just south of San Francisco, father south is generally too warm for peonies to bloom well. We sell freshly harvested seeds in the late summer.
Thanks for all the wonderful info! If you could clarify, I have herbaceous 1.5 in tall seedlings in zone 6a. Can I plant (in ground) now, or wait until fall?
Hi,
You could plant transplant them now on an cloudy day or wait until the fall. Just be careful, they will have a very long tap root. It would be somewhat safer for the plant to move it in the fall since it will be dormant then.
Best-
Dan
Thank you for such an informative article. I was tempted to remove my tree peony and it’s offspring as the yellow flower is not very eye catching and the plants look messy so much of the year as they are on a rockery slope where it’s hard to clear old leaves etc. now it seems I should to to appreciate them. Tasmania.
Is it ok to cut the flowers off the stem and just let them dry out then collect them in August?
Hi Amy,
You need to leave the seed pods on the plant to ripen until mid-August. If you cut them now, they will cease to develop and will not be viable. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Best- Dan
A friend of mine gave me some peony pods. Is it ok to put them in the sun to dry out? I’ve never tried peony seeds and am very interested in this process. I guess it’s alright to use gallon milk cartons for winter-sowing. Thanks, Ken.
There will only be viable seeds if the pods were allowed to mature until August. If the pods are from last year they will be okay, but this year’s seed heads are not yet mature. Let me know if you have any other questions. Best- Dan
If I am not planning to harvest seeds off my tree peonies, is it a good idea to cut off the seed pods now – so that all the strength goes into the plant?
Thanks!
Yes, now is the time to “deadhead” or trim the seed pods off your peonies if you do not intend on letting the seeds mature.
I would like to plant fresh seeds this fall. I live up in Maine do you know if I have to wait past August to collect the seeds?
Hi,
Yes I would think that you would want to wait until early September to collect your seeds. When the seed pods turn dark brown the seeds are ready. You will know for sure when the pod begin to crack open. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best-
Dan
Hi. I am in western New York state. I am interested in growing peonies from the seeds my plants produce. I had read otherwhere that the seeds are ready when the pods open; today I noticed one pod clearly open, and I picked it. Now I have just read (in your article above) that they aren’t ripe until mid-August. . . I haven’t ruined these seeds, have I?!? The pod is green, with just a tiny bit of dark dried brown along the center edges where it opened and the tip. The pod is pretty widely split along the top, and it is opened partway down the underside as well. The seeds are a pearly light yellow, somewhat like pale buttered kernels of corn. .. Are these seeds viable, even though they’re early? Should I dry them before use? Thank you very much, and continued success with your peonies!
Hi,
It sounds like the pod opened prematurely for some reason. Most likely the seeds are not mature and will not germinate. You might plant the seeds now anyway, but I wouldn’t hold much hope for them. No need to let them dry for more than a day. Are there other pods on your tree peony? Please let me know if you have any questions. Best- Dan
Hi, I’m really new to this-are you saying if I plant and grow that the seeds from the pods I found on my Peony’s (and iris) they will be a new variety altogether? So, I could even call it my name, should I be so vain, lol?
Yes, they will be your own unique varieties and you may name them as you like.
Thank you so much for replying! You made my day!
When the plant grows, will it have roots like any other flowers or will it form a bulb? I always thought flowers came from either a bulb or a seed. I had no idea bulb-flowers could produce seeds. And do they all (bulb flowers) have the potential to form pods?
Sorry about all the questions-I find this so fascinating.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get any seed planted from that pod; the seedpod was left out and unplanted while I was away. The seeds turned dark and shriveled. I was looking forward to trying them, premature or not. .. Fortunately, there are more pods — on both of my plants. (I must admit I’m not quite sure, at the moment, how to tell the three kinds of peony apart very well.) .. I wonder if unseasonably warm weather earlier in the year might have caused the pod its prematurity. .. Some of the pods now are quite large and seem near to opening soon. .. I may post again if I have other questions; thank you.
*Actually, there is one seed from that pod that is still light in color and not shriveled– I think I might plant this seed. (Am I wrong to assume that the other seeds from that pod are probably bad?)
Yes, any shriveled seeds would not be viable. Plant any seeds which seem to be plumb and firm.
In future could you please publish your planting guides with a Print button so readers can print the info without all the photos and comments thanks.
Hi Sherry,
Thanks for the good advise. I will see if I can do that in the future.
Best-
Dan
Coincidentally, yesterday, looking and searching for a site where it is explained how to grow peonies from the seed, I found your and I can finally use the seeds that I bought in China. I am a fan of peonies, I’m in love with this flower, unknown to me until three years ago, when, by chance, I bought a root of ‘festive mazxima’ in the garden near the house. Since then, are forever in search of peonies, both herbaceous and shrubby, but, not finding what satisfies me (or being too expensive) I decided to sow them alone. I contacted several Chinese sites and I got to send the seeds of most types and colors and now I intenizione of contornarmi of these wonderful plants. And, with your teaching, I hope to get to have at least 10% of the ‘birth’.
Thank you, Thank you so much for the explanations so explicit and clear. Cross your fingers and … sow!
Good luck with your seeds!
Hi! I live in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada. We are in zone 3, I think. The seeds that I see in the seed pods of my peonies don’t look like the seeds in your pictures. I love Peonies and I have planted several varieties. The seeds that I see are very tiny. Is it because of our climate that the seeds don’t fully develop?
Hi Cynthia,
I could be that the seeds did not fully develop. You could still plant them and see what happens.
Best-
Dan
Great site, many thanks for info. I’m in England and have a beautiful and huge peony plant that I was weeding under yesterday and found tons of large black shiny seeds, so I am guessing that they will be fully dormant by now, (we’ve already had a frost.) I have collected some seed still hanging to the pods on the plants and put these in a pot – for a couple of years it seems!
Yes, they should germinate this fall. Just make sure that they don’t dry out too much over the summer. I find it best to sink pots in the ground.
When the plant grows, will it have roots like any other flowers or will it form a bulb? I always thought flowers came from either a bulb or a seed. I had no idea bulb-flowers could produce seeds. And do they all (bulb flowers) have the potential to form pods? Thank you.
I have successfully grown P. obovata from seed, however have lost my notes. I saved seed again this year, put them in a plastic bag w/ vermiculite, on top of the water heater, I have so far potted up 10 that had developed a root.. Half are under lights at around 65 degrees the other half are out on the covered patio which is subject to the cold temps of our zone 5 weather. Can you suggest which would be the best option for the remaining seeds once they germinate.
Hi,
I put my winter germinated seeds in pots and store them in an unheated garage. I move them outside in March or April and sink the pots in the ground. I have never grown them indoors.
[…] https://crickethillgarden.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/starting-peonies-from-seed/ […]
I have just re-discovered 20 Peony seeds (variety not recorded) that I collected from a garden in Moscow back in 2006. They have been stored in a dark and dry place, and appear quite hard. Do you have any experience of long-stored Peony seeds and their chances of germination ?
Hello,
Sorry for the delayed response. I think that your seeds still stand a good chance of germinating. You might try cutting one in half, if its still whitish and somewhat oily inside I would think that they are still viable. I would scarify them, place them in ever so slightly damp peat moss and stick them in the fridge for eight weeks or so. After that, you could place them in a warm spot, 70-80 degrees and they may germinate. You could also plant them out in a nursery bed after the cold stratification. Alternatively, and more simply, you could soak them in water overnight and just plant them outside in the early spring. They may take a season or two to germinate. Let me know if you have any other questions and again my apologies for taking so long to respond.
Good growing-
Dan
Great information! Thank you! My neighbor just brought over some seeds that she collected last fall from her tree peony. She kept them inside and they are the hard black seed. I am in central Illinois in zone 5 I believe and I was curious if I scarify them and plant now, will I likely see any growth this year? Is soaking any better for faster growth? and lastly, can I scarify them and plant in a pot that I put outside and bring back in in the late fall? Or would that just be a looooong time for an empty looking flowerpot to be sitting around and one I have to remember to water..lol..? Thanks so much!
Hi,
I would scarify them, place them in ever so slightly damp peat moss and stick them in the fridge for eight weeks or so. After that, you could place them in a warm spot, 70-80 degrees and they may germinate. You could also plant them out in a nursery bed after the cold stratification. Alternatively, and more simply, you could soak them in water overnight and just plant them outside in a seed bed. They may take a season or two to germinate. I would advise against as pot as it may get too dry during the summer.
Best-
Dan
just come across your blog was given some seed black ones with out info on how to sow them or germinated them so far all I have tried in guessing what to do has fail I think I have a better understanding now thank you
I have a lovely double tree peony that looks like peppermint candy when it blooms. Each blossom is different from the other. I have about 8 seedlings that have grown up around it. I was never sure what would happen to them, so I left them there. Should I let them stay put through another season and move them to pots in the Fall, or should I pot them out now. One looks like it should be moved to where it will grow. How deep are the roots likely to be? Thank you.
I would wait until the fall to move them. The roots will probably be about 4”. Let me know if you have any further questions. Best- Dan
Linda, I would like to place an order for the P. rockii seeds. Please inform me how I pay for them. Thank you, L. Nelson
Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2014 02:19:41 +0000 To: primulee@hotmail.com
Hello, Great site! I live in Portland, Oregon and my peony bush has almost finished blooming (petals are falling off some flowers) and my seed pods are a burgundy color. My mom and sister want starts of my white peony and I wouldn’t mind having another one….or two. Do I still need to wait until September to harvest for my area and is the pod color an issue?
Thanks for any help.
I’d like to place an order for seeds of P. rockii. Please advise how I pay you for the seed. Thank you Lee
Date: Thu, 5 Jun 2014 01:10:36 +0000 To: primulee@hotmail.com
Sorry, I meant to say wait until August.
Hi Greg, Yes you will have to wait until late summer for the seeds to ripen. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Best-
Dan
I AM INTERESTED IN TRYING MY LUCK AT GROWING PEONIES FROM SEED I HAVE PLANTED SEVERAL VARIETIES OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE THAT OUR LORD HAS BLESSED ME WITH A GREEN THUMB NOW TO MY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SEEDS I REALLY DO APPRECIATE ANY INFO THAT YOU CAN SHARE FROM YOUR EXPERIANCES PLANTING THE SEED THAT I HAVE HARVESTED SO FAR THIS YEAR I AM LOST I HAVE THE PLANTING TRAYS SOILESS PLANTING MIX THE GOOD WILL MY BIGGEST QUESTION IS DO I LET THE SEED DRY OUT AND TURN DARK OR CAN I PLANT NOW IN LATE JUNE AS THEY ARE LIGHT TAN OR YELLOW IN COLOR THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR IN 20 YEARS THAT I HAVE HARVESTED SEED IN LATE JUNE AND SO MANY I AM REALLY DELIGHTED THOUGH BUT COULD USE SOME HELP I WILL BE ORDERING SOME OF YOUR SEED OF THE TREE PEONY IT IS MAGNIFICENT THANK YOU SO MUCH JIM COLLINS
I am not sure if seed harvested in June is ready to grow. The seed must mature, and we wait until August to pick the pods. Pods will be light tan to darker brown, and the seeds inside will be tan, brown and dark-brown to black. You plant right away to keep the seeds fresh. We prefer the direct method. See the blog post for details on how to plant.
Hi I just received some seeds, they are black. They are from this year.I am in zone 9 in Florida. What is the best way for me to get started.
See our blog post on germinating the seeds. If seeds are very dry, hard and black, they may not germinate next spring, it may take 2 years, or they may not sprout at all. Fresh tree peony seeds are best; tan, brown and some black.
This has been extremely helpful. However I really need help finding out whatkind of tree peony I have. I have taken a cutting to lowes, I have called another nursery and emailed someone from purdues agriculture dept. The closest anyone had gotten is a high noon, but I cannot find one that looks like mine. I did find one on a website very similar to mine I believe it was called Marie laurencin. I could have that wrong. and another called momoya or something like that that also was similar. My plant is huge and gorgeous. I know it’s over 13 yrs old it used to bloom twice a year but that last 2 yrs have only seen one bloom. Its about as tall as me at 5ft I would love to reproduce this but cannot find out if my seeds are viable. I just don’t have the money to spend on special soil for seeds that won’t grow. I would appreciate any help or advice you could give me. This tree peony is just to beautiful to not try to make more.
Hi Christina,
If you send me a picture of your tree peony I will try to ID it for you. My email is crickethillgarden@gmail.com. If its a yellow tree peony, its most likely a sterile hybrid which will not produce viable seed. The only way to propagate it would be by division or grafting.
Best-
Dan
I ordered 3 different types of peony seed and tried putting most of them in the peat pots inside plastic zip lock bags. I waited for 2 months and checked them, keeping them warm…maybe they were too moist, but it looks like all that came out of this was a growth of peat moss. I also planted some of the seed into a container. Is there any hope for any of these seed to germinated? I’m in N.C.and our summer has been hot so I left the seed in a sunny location. Thanks for your help!
Thank you for this wonderful guide!
I got some wild Peony (Paeonia mascula) seeds and would to know if someone has some experience with germinating those and give me some tips
I purchased peony seeds from you this year and planted them in clay pots following directions. They were outside but as it became colder I brought them in…so far nothing has happened and I am contemplating digging them up and using the plastic bag method. I would be interested in your opinion. Is that a good idea?
Hi Dan
I have just been given Peony seeds from 2004 to germinate but I live in Alberta… what would you suggest ? what I have done with a few is soak them in paper towel over night … now I was thinking I’d put them in peat moss and put them in the fridge… I think we are about 4 months until spring … appreciate any help… donna
Hi Donna,
I would also recommend scarifying the seed before soaking to help with water absorption. Leave them in the fridge until spring and then sow outdoors. You may not see any top growth until next spring.
Good growing-
Dan
New to trying to germinate peonies. Imported seeds from china. Advice seems pretty straight forward so hopeful.
I live in Orlando, Florida. Can I grow Peonies from seeds. I just ordered some. It is February and it is already getting 70 degrees out side. I am in zone 9
RT
You can grow both tree and herbaceous peonies in Orlando. You will need to give them a period of cold stratification before planting them out.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Best-
Dan
I would like to order peony seeds from you.Tell me how to go about it.
Thankyou
Anita Vairo
The “unnamed” new cultivar from 2011 looks like a “Precious Wings” to me if I was to guess a name. (If still unnamed)
It is a lovely delicate bloom : )
l going order more tree peony seeds do have yellow tree peony seeds thank you
lunamcmath@gmail.com I have sent a order in already they are my favorite flower . I have two baby peonies growing now
I’d love to try some of your P. rockii seed but have a question: My current house is one that I’m hoping to be able to move away from in a year (depending on the housing market, LOL) and due to the neighborhood having a problem with squirrels, rodents (rats, mice and voles), rabbits and feral cats I am hesitant to put anything whatsover in the ground here that I’d be upset to have damaged or destroyed. Could I use the indoors/in-pots method for these? They would need to remain potted until I find and move to my next (permanent) house and garden, at which time I’d plant them in the appropriate place. I do have an east facing front porch where the pots could live in the meanwhile though, and a garage that stays in the high 30s-low 40s in winter. I’m in Zone 7. Would the P. rockii seedlings germinate and do well under those circumstances for a year or even two if need be? Thanks! 🙂
Hi,
Sorry for the tardy reply. You can grow tree peony seedlings in the setting you describe. They can be grown in a 10” deep pot for at least two seasons.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Best-
Dan
I harvested what I thought were ripe – but apparently were over-ripe, being black – herbaceous seeds, scraped with a nail file after reading your notes, and have 2 x trefoiled shoots, with just a hint of pink on stems and lower veins – but no ‘proper’ cotyledons; I’m letting them get on with it till September. And live in hope … and more to come next spring, perhaps? Will, Kent UK
Sounds promising, see what happens next year.
Thank you. WT
LUNA MCMATH LOOKING FORED RECIVING THE PEONY SEEDS IN 9/15 LAUNA HORTON MCMATH
The pods i have opened after splitting are approx 2 inches long after opening the seeds are only small they look like brown tomatoes seeds is this normal not like your pictures.
It sounds like your seeds are infertile and will not germinate. Some varieties are sterile and will never produce viable seed. Best- Dan
I just harvested black hard seeds from my friend’s tree peony. It is mid April, so they over wintered outside. I was going to try your methods, but they are all talking about end of season. Any suggestions since it is the beginning of the season?
I recently received a lovely Bouquet of coral peonies. Is it possible to harvest seeds from cut peonies? I removed the seed pods and am letting them dry.
Seeds need to mature on the plant.