Expert: Tom Alonzo - 6/14/2009

Question
Mr. Alonzo,

 Pertaing to peony tree seeds...do you suggest that the seeds be dried and then planted? Would seeds be worth  growing, from what I understand from the previous answer, the trees are grafted into ordinary peony trees?
I apologize if I am asking a simple question... this is all new to me  :)

Thank you, Gayle

Answer
Hi Gayle,
Thanx for your question.  Your question is quite valid.  While it is true that peony trees are grafted, the hybridizers have to start with something and this is where the seeds come into play.  Seeds are collected from plants that have desired qualities and planted.  It will take 3-4 years to see the resulting blooms and determine if the plants are worth keeping or not.  You'll want to collect mature seeds in the fall.  The seeds are usually black or dark brown and quite hard.  Some people recommend soaking them for a number of days to rehydrate them and this somehow may help in reducing the dormancy inducing auxins (hormones).  I personally think that seeds are worth growing if you are an avid gardener, an avid peony enthusiast or hybridizer.  Sometimes the resulting plant may be somewhat weak and so they are grafted onto a hardier rootstock to inhibit disease and increase hardiness.  I hope this helps.
Tom