Peony seed pods - can I store them for a long time?

15 years ago

I am brand new to gardening and bought a home this summer (in Seattle) with big gorgeous mature peonies in the back yard. I noticed the seed pods today and am kind of going full boar on trying different things like seed starting, cuttings, etc.

I read about growing peonies from seed and whoah boy I'm not ready for that this year! (Plus I don't have room to store and refrigerate them).

But I feel bad not keeping the seeds anyway...would they keep for a year or longer?

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Comments (3)

calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
15 years ago
As you do more gardening you will get used to throwing away seed that if you save you will throw them away later anyway. I never save peony seed though I do save lots of other seed, most of which I give away, some I actually plant, the rest I throw away 2 or 3 years later. Al
maifleur01
15 years ago
Friend of mine suggested that you just stick the seeds in the general area of the mother plant. Depending on the parents some seeds will produce offspring better than others.

His idea about sticking the seeds next to the parent, for open pollenated seeds, is that since you do not know who the father(pollen) parent is by sticking the seeds near the seed source would allow you to see how fertile that plant is. Then when you have time you can start pollenating your own plants.
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morz8 - Washington Coast
15 years ago
mahalie, in our damp maritime climate, you really don't have to store, refrigerate, or invest more than a few minutes if you'd like to try sowing the open pollinated seeds...

Just fill a pot (now) that is at least 4-5" deep with any good quality potting soil, sow the seeds, top with some grit or vermiculite and sit it outside exposed to the weather. Our day/night temperatures over winter will work out to an average that is just about what you would find in your refrigerator. You may need to protect from birds, rodents. It's not going to dry out over winter and some time next year you may even have seedlings :)

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Peony seed pods - can I store them for a long time?

Comments (3)

calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9

maifleur01

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morz8 - Washington Coast

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