Propagation of Peonies from Seed

adapted from information supplied
by Carsten Burkhardt
March 2008

To control fungal diseases, the seeds should be pre-treated in a hydrogen peroxide soak (3% hydrogen peroxide to cover the seeds for 20 minutes). Drain the seeds and place the seeds in water-moistened paper towels. Store in a loose container making sure the towels stay moist for two weeks at 82º F (28º C). Seeds should then be placed in sterile potting soil in a plastic bag and placed in the refrigerator for four weeks. Alternatively, the chilled seeds may be potted into small pots with sterile potting mix and kept outside in winter (to achieve “natural” chilling). Following the four weeks in the refrigerator, the seeds should be potted up or grown in a shaded nursery bed. Keep ungerminated seeds in the pots outside since many of these seeds may germinate after the second winter.