When it comes to flamboyant flowers, few plants can beat the hardy, deciduous peony – the giant blooms can often be the size of dinner plates.
There are three types of peony: herbaceous types, which die back to ground level every winter; tree peonies, which are taller and more woody and keep their frame throughout winter (they’re small shrubs and not trees); and intersectional hybrids, which are a cross between tree and herbaceous types (these are not so readily available).
Peonies are cherished for their large, fragrant blooms and have been admired in gardens for centuries While peonies are often propagated from root divisions, many gardeners enjoy growing these flowers from seeds. However, timing is crucial when planting peony seeds, as they require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and germinate properly In this article, we’ll explore when to sow peony seeds for the best chance of success.
Understanding Peony Seed Dormancy
The key to effectively growing peonies from seeds lies in understanding their dormancy mechanisms. Peony seeds have double dormancy meaning the seed coat and embryo within are dormant. This survival mechanism prevents seeds from germinating at the wrong time of year in natural conditions.
To break this dormancy, peony seeds require a period of cold, moist conditions – known as stratification – that mimics winter weather. This cold period softens the seed coat, allows moisture to penetrate and trigger germination when the seeds are sown in spring.
Without proper stratification, peony seeds may fail to germinate or have very low germination rates. Timing your planting correctly is crucial.
When is the Optimal Time to Plant Peony Seeds?
The best time to plant peony seeds is in late fall, between October and November. Planting in fall allows enough time for the required chilling period over winter before the seeds are sown in spring.
Fall Planting
- Plant seeds in fall about 1-2 inches deep and water well.
- Allow seeds to experience moist, cold conditions over winter to break dormancy.
- Stratification typically takes 10-15 weeks depending on variety.
- Sow stratified seeds in spring once soil has thawed.
Planting in fall and allowing natural winter conditions to stratify peony seeds is the simplest approach. However, spring planting is also possible if you manually stratify seeds.
Spring Planting
- Place seeds in moist peat moss and store in refrigerator for 12-16 weeks.
- Check seeds periodically and plant stratified seeds in spring.
- This method works but fall sowing is more reliable.
While spring planting can work, it’s better to plant seeds in fall whenever possible. This allows the winter chill to naturally stratify seeds for highest viability.
How to Prepare Peony Seeds for Planting
To set your peony seeds up for success, proper preparation is important. Here are some tips:
- Start with fresh, high-quality seeds – Older seeds or those stored incorrectly may have reduced viability.
- Clean seeds – Remove any pulp/debris from seed pods to prevent disease.
- Soak seeds in water – Soaking for 24 hours rehydrates seeds and begins the germination process.
- Scarify seeds – For seeds with hard coats, gently scratching with sandpaper or a file can help absorption of water.
- Test seed viability – Try germinating a few seeds on a damp paper towel to check viability before planting all.
Following these tips helps boost your chances of successful peony germination when seeds are sown at the proper time.
Where to Plant Peony Seeds
In addition to timing, choosing the right planting location is also key. Consider the following when selecting a planting site:
- Sunlight – Peonies prefer full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is ideal.
- Soil – Well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH around 6.5-7 is optimal. Amend soil if needed.
- Drainage – Good drainage is absolutely vital to avoid root rot. Choose high ground if possible.
- Spacing – Allow 3-4 feet between seedlings to accommodate mature plant width.
Prepare your planting bed by loosening soil, removing weeds, and incorporating compost or other organic matter to enrich the site. Your investment in creating the right growing conditions will pay off with healthy, thriving peonies.
Caring for Peony Seedlings
Once your seeds are sown at the proper time and location, continued care is required:
- Keep soil moist but not soggy as seedlings establish.
- Water carefully to avoid disturbing delicate roots.
- Apply balanced fertilizer when seedlings are several inches tall.
- Monitor for pests like aphids or signs of disease.
- Transplant seedlings to larger pots when they outgrow starter trays.
- Eventually transplant outdoors when plants are 1-2 years old.
Have patience, as it can take up to 5 years for peony seedlings to reach blooming maturity. Proper seeding timing, germination, and aftercare will reward you with exquisite, lasting peony plants.
Key Takeaways on Planting Peony Seeds
- Plant peony seeds in fall for winter cold stratification required to break dormancy.
- Spring planting is possible with manual stratification indoors over winter.
- Prepare seeds by cleaning, soaking, and scarifying if needed.
- Choose a site with full sun, well-draining fertile soil, and proper spacing.
- Care for seedlings with regular watering, fertilizing, and pest/disease monitoring.
- Have patience – it may take several years for plants to reach maturity and bloom.
While growing peonies from seeds requires more time than other propagation methods, watching your plants develop from seedlings to flowering beauties is incredibly rewarding. Follow these tips on when to plant peony seeds, and you’ll be on your way to success.
Where to buy peonies online
Herbaceous peonies should be cut back hard in autumn to ground level. Tree peonies do not need pruning. All you need to do is remove the faded seed heads in autumn. Don’t be tempted to pick off the faded foliage in autumn – let it fall off naturally. Avoid pruning tree peonies hard back as they are often grafted onto herbaceous peonies.
When weeding borders try to avoid stepping on the newly forming buds of the herbaceous types.
Sometimes peonies form suckers around the base of the plant. Here, David Hurrion explains what to do with them: Green Video Post Element Video ID: “1fe07a57cad3de8cac148abd85ec5b92a01869b4” Mix ID: “” Player ID: “qAUyOzk5” If the player doesnt appear here within a few seconds, the Player ID or Licence Key (set via IM Green Suite settings) might be invalid.
How to plant peonies[image id=”31958″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” align=”none” title=”Peony ‘Shimanishiki'” alt=”Peony ‘Shimanishiki'” classes=””] Peony ‘Shimanishiki’
Bare-root peony plants should be planted as soon as they arrive. Peonies are best planted in autumn or spring. Ensure you don’t plant them too deeply, as this will yield poor results. Mix in plenty of well-rotted organic matter before planting. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring.
Avoid overwatering newly planted peonies as this is a common cause of plant failure.
As peony flowers are so heavy, you will need to use a plant support.
In this video guide, Monty Don show’s how to plant a herbaceous peony, ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ and taller tree peonies. He explains how planting depth is crucial with peonies – and how to get it right. Green Video Post Element Video ID: “84f7f49186baa0fa384b681fe987f94e1846ea85” Mix ID: “” Player ID: “qAUyOzk5” If the player doesnt appear here within a few seconds, the Player ID or Licence Key (set via IM Green Suite settings) might be invalid.
Flower Gardening : How to Grow Peonies From Seed
FAQ
Are peonies hard to grow from seed?
- Peonies take several years (3-5) to mature from seed, compared to root divisions which mature faster.
- Seedlings may not emerge until the following spring, or even the spring after that, and some seeds may not germinate at all.
- It’s not uncommon for seedlings to emerge in the bed for up to 3 years.
- Be prepared to wait a few years for your peony plants to bloom.
What is the best time to plant peony seeds?
Dry seed, such as, those purchased in winter and spring should be planted in mid-summer.
Do I need to soak peony seeds before planting?
Extra tip: Soak the seeds in water for one or two hours before planting them.
How long does it take for peonies to flower from seed?
Peonies rarely bloom the first year after planting. It often takes three years before you see an abundant display of flowers. But once the plants do start blooming, you can look forward to a lifetime of beautiful flowers.
When should I start growing peonies from seeds?
Peonies are known for their long lifespan and slow growth, so it is important to have patience and care for the plants throughout their development. In conclusion, the best time of year to start growing peonies from seeds is in the late fall or early winter, as the seeds require a period of cold stratification.
Can you grow peonies from seed?
This should be done in the spring or fall, when the plants are dormant. Peonies prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, so it may be necessary to amend the soil if it is too alkaline. Adding some pine needle compost can help. Overall, growing peonies from seed can be a rewarding but patience-testing process.
When do tree peony seeds ripen?
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 1st and 3rd weeks of August. A good seed producing tree peony can yield over 50 seeds per pod. The herbaceous seeds are ready a bit later, around the end of August. An almost ripe herbaceous peony seed pod.
How do you plant a peony plant?
The first step is to start with good quality peony seeds. Look for seeds that are fresh, plump and unblemished. If the seeds look dried out or shriveled, they are likely not viable and should be discarded. Once you have acquired good quality peony seeds, it is important to properly prepare the soil for planting.
Can you plant peonies in spring?
In cooler climates, you can plant them in spring, but they are unlikely to flower for a couple of years. You can also plant seeds in fall, though they will only shoot in spring or summer. Peonies prefer to be planted in the fall in most climates, although in colder areas, you can also plant successfully in spring.
When should you plant peony tubers?
Generally, it’s best to plant bare-root peony tubers in the fall so they can become established during winter. In cooler climates, you can plant them in spring, but they are unlikely to flower for a couple of years. You can also plant seeds in fall, though they will only shoot in spring or summer.