How to plant peony seeds so that they can germinate?

Peony is a very popular flower , and many friends use peony seeds to grow it. Generally speaking, if all conditions are suitable, peony seeds may begin to germinate about 20 days to 1 month after sowing. So how do you plant peony seeds so that they can germinate? Let’s take a look with the editor below.

1. Seed selection

Before planting, it is crucial to select high-quality, fresh peony seeds. High-quality peony seeds are usually bright in color and have full grains, and such seeds have a higher germination rate. You can buy them at botanical gardens, flower markets or from trusted seed suppliers.

2. Seed treatment

Peony seeds usually need to be soaked in water to break the outer layer of the seeds and promote germination. Soak the peony seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours until the seed skin softens. The seeds are then removed and the outer skin or pulp is gently removed, which will help the seeds absorb water and germinate.

3. Prepare the planting medium

Peony seeds have high requirements for soil, and need to choose loose, breathable, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. You can use leaf mold, garden soil, and sandy soil mixed in a certain proportion to prepare the sowing soil, for example, a ratio of 3:3:2. Such soil can ensure air permeability and provide sufficient nutrients. Alternatively, you can add organic fertilizer or well-rotted compost to the soil to provide nutrients.

4. Planting seeds

The sowing time of peony seeds is usually from September to October in autumn, when the temperature is suitable and the soil moisture is moderate, which is conducive to seed germination. Dig small holes of appropriate depth in the prepared planting medium, put 1-2 peony seeds in each hole, and then cover with 23 cm of planting medium. Alternatively, you can also sprinkle the peony seeds evenly on the soil surface, then lightly cover them with a thin layer of fine soil, and gently press the topsoil to make the seeds in close contact with the soil. Be careful not to over-cover the soil. The appropriate soil covering depth for peony seeds is about 1-2 times the diameter of the seed.

5. Management and maintenance

After sowing, use a sprinkler to gently spray water to keep the soil moist, but be sure not to allow water to accumulate, as this can cause root rot. Peony seeds require a suitable temperature to germinate, usually between 15-25 degrees Celsius. At the same time, maintain moderate ventilation every day to prevent mildew. Peony seeds are small, and light has a greater impact on their germination, so they need to be shaded. When the seedlings appear and grow to about 10 cm in height, you can start fertilizing. Use the spraying method to fertilize it, and apply a thin layer of fertilizer once every 1-2 weeks. Subsequent cultivation can follow the conventional methods of other flowers and herbs.

6. Transplanting

When the peony seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, you can consider transplanting them into a larger pot or garden. Transplanting should be done on a sunny morning, retaining some of the original soil to reduce damage to the root system. After transplanting, pay attention to keeping the soil moist and well ventilated to promote rapid growth of seedlings.

The above is an introduction to how to plant peony seeds so that they can germinate. After planting peony seeds, you need to wait patiently and pay close attention to changes in soil moisture, temperature and other conditions, as well as the growth of seedlings. At the same time, we must do a good job in preventing and controlling diseases and pests to ensure that the seedlings can grow healthily.