How To Cultivate Seedlings Through Tree Peony Seeds？

How to cultivate seedlings through tree peony seeds？

1.Seed collection and processing

Collection timing: The seeds of peonies can only be collected after their fruits have matured, and the best time for collection is usually when the fruits turn yellow in autumn. Collecting seeds too early is not mature enough, and collecting seeds too late can cause the seed coat to turn black and become hard, making it difficult for seedlings to emerge.

Seed cleaning: Rinse the collected peony seeds with clean water to remove surface flesh and impurities.

Disinfection treatment: Soak the cleaned seeds in a 1% bleach solution for disinfection treatment, eliminate bacteria and pathogens on the surface of the seeds, and improve germination rate. After disinfection, rinse with clean water and air dry.

2.Preparation of seedling soil

Soil selection: Peony seeds have high requirements for soil during germination and growth stages, and it is advisable to choose fertile and well drained sandy loam soil as seedling soil. If there is no ready-made one, you can mix coconut bricks and garden soil to make it yourself.

Soil disinfection: Use methods such as steam or oven to disinfect the seedling soil, kill the bacteria and weed seeds, and reduce the impact of diseases and weeds on peony seedlings.

3.Sowing and Management

Sowing container: You can choose containers such as flower pots and seedling boxes for sowing peony seeds, ensuring that the containers have good breathability and drainage.

Pre sowing treatment: Soak peony seeds in warm water at 50 ℃ for 24 to 48 hours to accelerate the germination time and rate of the seeds. There is also a saying that in order to relieve the dormancy of the 

embryonic axis, it is necessary to soak the seeds in 500 × 10-6 to 1000 × 10-6 gibberellin for 24 hours before sowing, and then release the dormancy period after one week. Sprouts and roots grow simultaneously.

Sowing method: Evenly sprinkle soaked peony seeds on the surface of the seedling soil, do not bury the seeds deeply, just gently compact and cover with a thin layer of soil. The sowing density should be moderate to avoid seeds being too dense or sparse.

Moisturizing and temperature control: After sowing peony seeds, the soil for seedling cultivation should be kept moist, but water should not accumulate to prevent seed decay. At the same time, it is necessary to control the appropriate temperature, generally around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, which can be controlled through insulation boxes and other methods.

Avoid direct sunlight: After peony seeds germinate, they should avoid exposure to strong sunlight, which can easily cause the seeds to wither. You can choose a semi shaded or cool environment.

4.Seedling management

Ventilation and soil loosening: Moderate ventilation and soil loosening for peony seedlings are beneficial for root growth and nutrient absorption.

Timely fertilization and watering: During the growth period of seedlings, fertilization and watering should be carried out according to soil moisture and seedling growth conditions. Fertilization should mainly use mature organic fertilizers, avoiding the use of concentrated and raw fertilizers. Watering should follow the principle of "seeing dry and seeing wet" to avoid water accumulation.

Disease and pest control: Regularly check the growth status of seedlings, timely detect and prevent diseases and pests. For common diseases such as leaf spot and anthracnose, spraying fungicides can be used for prevention and control; For common pests such as aphids and spider mites, spraying insecticides can be used for prevention and control.

5.Transplanting seedlings

Transplant timing: When the peony seedlings grow to a certain height (such as 10 to 15 centimeters), they can be transplanted. The transplanting time is generally chosen to be in autumn or spring.

Transplanting method: Be careful when picking up seedlings to avoid damaging the root system. When transplanting, the seedlings should be planted in fertile and well drained soil, and appropriate spacing between plants should be maintained. After transplantation, it is necessary to water thoroughly and strengthen post management.

6.Precautions

Seed freshness: Peony seeds need to be harvested and sown in the same year to ensure seed freshness and germination rate.

Soil moisture and temperature: When sowing, attention should be paid to maintaining soil moisture and suitable temperature, which are key factors affecting seed germination.

Avoid direct sunlight exposure: Peony seedlings should avoid direct sunlight exposure during their growth to prevent damage to the seedlings.

Strengthen post harvest management: After transplanting, it is necessary to strengthen post harvest management, including watering, fertilizing, pruning and shaping, to promote the healthy growth and flowering of peonies.