Ask the master gardeners

Q: This fall I collected several Japanese tree peony seeds. I would like to propagate these seeds. How do I proceed?

A: This undertaking is a long-range event and you need to brace yourself for this.

First, let’s try to figure out which type of peony the seed came from. Seeds of most species of peonies are bluish-black when ripe. Seeds of Peonia lactiflora are brownish-black and hybrid seeds turn black when mature.

Immature seeds will rot, leaving you waiting forever. Seeds collected very late or those that have been stored for a time have entered dormancy. It will take another year or more for them to germinate.

To plant a seed, fill a pot with soil-based compost and plant the seed at a depth of 1 inch. Peony seeds grow slowly so cover the soil with alpine grit to prevent weed growth. Water well and place the pot in a cold frame.

Fresh seed will usually germinate the following spring. At this point the seed develops a root only. The next spring above-ground growth will occur. This is the time the seedlings will be very vulnerable, especially to slugs. Damaged seedlings will not recover.

Not all of your seeds may develop the same year. Therefore it is recommended that you plant the seeds separately or be prepared to give them time to develop. If more than one seed is planted per pot, mark the number with a plant marker. It will take about five years before your seedling blooms. Good luck.

— Krys Mernyk, Sleepy Hollow, master gardener, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester