Yes you can start peonies from seed but it can be a slow process. Whether they would grow in a container and survive the winter would depend on where you are located. I'm going to suggest moving your question to the peonies forum.
This is my first year for planting peony seeds. They have been in the ground in a selected area for a few weeks. I will be so excited come spring to see if any germinate.
Peonies take 3-5 years to first flower from seed. Though the adventure is worthwhile, it may not be for those looking for immediate gratification. Patience is required.
Can definitely second Tracey's comments; I have seedlings from 2 springs ago and I'm pretty sure they won't be blooming size for at least another 3 years. They're doing well but if I were to dig up the roots today I probably wouldn't find anything bigger around than a pencil and only a few inches long (judging from the above ground growth) and these were planted 3 summers ago. Didn't stop me from planting more seeds this fall, though!
I am in no hurry. I have plenty of other peonies, dahlias, lilies, etc to provide 'eye candy' in the mean time. Just an experiment anyway. Just like the lily seeds and bubils I have planted. Am still trying to germinate Meconopsis seeds. Talk about tough. But I won't give up. Just that the seeds are so expensive. I don't want to try my own blue poppy seeds as I am trying to grow white, yellow, and lavender.
Yes you can start peonies from seed but it can be a slow process. Whether they would grow in a container and survive the winter would depend on where you are located. I'm going to suggest moving your question to the peonies forum.
