Peony Seed Propagation
Today's sharing: An introduction to the knowledge of peony propagation, focusing on peony seed propagation. Let's get to know more about it together.
As the saying goes: "Harvest eight tenths when young, not nine tenths when old." Peony seeds are developed from the ovules within the ovary, mature in mid-to-late August, and the seed setting rate decreases with the increase of petalization of the pistil and stamen, sometimes even failing to set seed. The germination rate of peony seeds decreases with increased maturity. The upper embryonic axis of peony seeds has a dormant characteristic, which can be harvested from late July to mid-August, and it is best to plant immediately after harvesting, as early or late planting will reduce the germination rate.
Overripe peony fruits will crack and cause seeds to fall to the ground, reducing the amount of seeds collected. Before sowing, the seeds should be selected using the water selection method, choosing plump seeds without diseases or pests for later use. When sowing, the soil should be deeply cultivated and finely worked, with sufficient base fertilizer applied and the land disinfected. Peonies are best sown using high beds with wide and narrow rows, with a bed width of 60 to 70 centimeters, two rows per bed, and an acreage sowing rate of 75 to 100 kilograms.
Sowing should not be too deep, 3 to 4 centimeters is ideal. After sowing, cover the soil to make it level with the ground, commonly known as "seeds in the soil, not deeper than five" (5 centimeters). Then gently press the soil down, water thoroughly, and in winter, cover with straw, leaves, or horse manure, or use plastic film to keep warm, conserve moisture, and prevent cold.
The following year, when the peonies sprout and emerge from the ground, expose the seedlings to the surface. The weaker ones will only produce one small leaf, while the stronger ones can produce 2 to 3 leaves. Timely weeding should be done. The seedlings can be transplanted or used as rootstocks 1 to 2 years later, and peonies from seeds generally bloom in 3 to 5 years.
Have you understood the detailed introduction to peony seed propagation shared in this article?