HARDY PEONY MIX Paeonia paeoniaceae

Peonies are reliable and hardy perennials, able to withstand many conditions, yet remarkable beautiful. This mix includes seeds for a variety of colors.

Height: 2-3 feet, 60-90 cm

Hardiness zones: 3-9

Location: Sun or part

Bloom time: Late spring and summer

Note: These seeds and plants contain toxicity. ornamental use only.

Seeds per pack: 3 large seeds (will vary in size due to their being different types in the mix)

Germination: As with many perennials, these seeds require a period of moist cold to help them break dormancy. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:

Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period.

Alternatively, these seeds can also be planted outdoors in fall, winter, or early spring, while temperatures are still cold (but ground is workable) to germinate naturally in spring. Be sure to mark the area where you planted them, and that the soil is consistently moist.

Peony seeds can be slow to germinate, sometimes taking several months to a year. The cold stratification will give them the best start.