Germination of Paeonia suffructicosa
Gene Advised:
<collect the seeds while fresh and not allow them to dry out severely.
Storage is not good for Peony seed. Sow the seeds in a marked spot in
the garden and they should germinate next spring. If you are
using pots, sow in sterile medium and place in the cold frame to winter
over.>
I would like to add a comment to Gene's remarks. While it is generally
true that extended dry storage of Paeonia seed is detrimental, P.
suffructicosa (the Tree Peony) appears to be an exception, with year old
or slightly older seed actually germinating better than fresh seed (of
the current harvest).
Most Paeonia seed (the native P. brownii excepted) follows the same
general germination pattern. Seed should be kept in warm conditions
until the radicle emerges. This is all that will happen at the first
stage (an extensive root system forms, but no leaf). A further cold
spell is required after which time the first true leaf is sent up.
You can perform all of this by sowing seed directly in the garden upon
ripening, or during the winter by mixing seed in just-moist vermiculite
inside a zip-lock bag & taking it through the warm & cold phases this
way. The seedlings can be set out in the garden after the first leaf is
up. If done directly in the garden this year, do not expect to see
anything above ground until next Spring/Early Summer, so mark your spot
well.
While Paeonia germination requires patience from seed to flower, many of
the very choice wild species are only available in the form of seed & I
find them a particularly satisfying species to grow from seed.
Cheers.
--
Kristl Walek
Gardens North Seed
5984 Third Line Road, N.
North Gower, Ontario
Canada K0A 2T0
Phone: (613) 489-0065
Fax: (613) 489-1208
---------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign-off this list, send email to majordomo@mallorn.com with the
message text UNSUBSCRIBE PERENNIALS
