For the first time, I noticed little tree peony seedlings in my front garden. I thought I saw one last year, but it somehow disappeared, but I wasn't even sure if that was a tree peony seedling.

A couple of days ago, I noticed the first seedling growing from the middle of a small rose in a pot. The pot and the rose overwintered in the porch. The seedling could not develop in that pot and so close to the rose, so I pulled it from below, carefully as I could. It came out together with the seed from which it sprouted. I am sorry that I didn't take pictures because I was rushing to transplant the seedling as fast as I could. It is now in a very, very big pot.


And then, earlier today, I noticed this little fellow growing very close to the Guardian of the Monastery. In addition, I think there is one more seedling between the Guardian and Snow Lotus. Last year, four three peonies bloomed in the front garden at the same time: Snow Lotus, Guardian of the Monastery, Han Kisoi and Colourful Butterfly.


And that was not all. A couple of hours ago, I was pruning the big climber rose, when I noticed a little seedling growing from the middle of the Holly bush. It was a very dark and dry spot. It could not stay there, so I took it. I was really surprised when I realize that this one has a bit woody stem. Could it be the second-year seedling? I pooled it and transplanted it in the same big pot with the first seedling. The pot is really big, it will not dry out.


What I am supposed to do now? Please advise. I would like to save them and make sure that they survive.

That is very exciting Jasmin! I would just keep them in pots. Hopefully Oscar will provide his method as he has been so successful with his seedlings.

Jasmin I have a few seedlings that have sprouted this year they are in full sunlight I will be moving them to a spot with good drainage where they will be protected from midday sun they do well in pots,as you can move them around as needed bring them inside with your other plant for winter. I bury them in straw last winter I had 68 pots all but two survived ,Good luck

Thank you, Oscar.

I moved two seedlings because they were growing literally from the centre of other bushes. These two are in a big pot, which I might bring inside, or I can also cover it with oak leaves. I'll decide when the time comes. There are also two little ones growing close to their mother plants. I am not planning to move these ones. I will keep an eye on them, water the area, and protect them in the fall

Could you tell if a seedling is one or two years old? I suspect that the one in the last photo has been growing for two years because it has a tiny woody stem. Especially today, its leaves look developed, not like the baby leaves of the first seedling. It is entirely possible that I didn't notice it because it was hidden behind the Holly, close to the wall. I found these instructions and pictures from Cricket Hills, and the little seedling looks more like two-year-old seedling
https://www.treepeony.com/page...

They say it takes four years or more to see the first blooms How long did it take for your seedlings? Now, the most important thing is to make sure they survive

When I need to move a peony seedling in spring, I dig wide and deep and disturb as little of the soil as possible. I transplant in new location with all soil coming along with it and water in. I usually do in zone 5 in mid April to very early May. They acclimate easily and barely miss a beat.

Good luck Jasmin!

Btw, does anyone know if peony seeds are always fertile?

Tracey, I moved two of the seedlings because they were growing literally from the centers of other plants. I tried to take them from below and I got them without major issues. The soil was soft, so it worked. They are both in a big pot now, and they are doing fine. As you said, they barely missed the beat The remaining two seedlings will stay in the ground. They are close to their parents and they are protected. I only have to make sure they receive enough water

Of the two transplanted seedlings, the older one has real leaves, and they look like Snow Lotus leaves I'll do my best to help them survive

I guess that big seeds are fertile. For example, High Noon makes very small seeds or something that resembles seeds. They are not fertile. My Hoki was making those small seeds for years, so I thought Hoki was not fertile. That was until I brought Black Dragon into the garden. Hoki produced big seeds the same year

Good work Jasmin,I have about twenty or so four year old seedlings and not one of them has a bud,so still waiting, you are right the second year seedlings have a woody stalk good luck.

ol434445 said: Good work Jasmin,I have about twenty or so four year old seedlings and not one of them has a bud,so still waiting, you are right the second year seedlings have a woody stalk good luck.

So it will take a minimum of three more years to see the first bud if I am lucky Good luck with your seedlings We can only wait now Exercise patience How zen

Once you get the sequence going you will have new blooming peonies every year for several. The wait is worth it. This bloomed for me last year. The best yet. Posted for inspiration (and that patience has its reward).

magnolialover said: Once you get the sequence going you will have new blooming peonies every year for several. The wait is worth it. This bloomed for me last year. The best yet. Posted for inspiration (and that patience has its reward).

My only concern is that I may not be here for long, next spring most probably but after that I don't know. Still looking forward to next year.

Such a beautiful and inspiring seedling, Tracey. Thanks for sharing it with us. And thanks for the tip on moving seedlings. I have 3 in the garden I want to move.

I was wondering about your situation, Oscar. I knew you had plans to move to Australia.

Oscar do you have plan to take any of them with you? Are you hoping to see what you have so you can decide what to take? I hope you have flowers to see while you are here. The seedling above bloomed in 3-4 years. I'm not 100%, but I think it was three. They have their own mind. I have waited 7 years for a first flower in them.

Thank you all for your encouragement

Tracey, are you saying that some seedlings may start blooming after three or four years only, but for some, it might take up to seven years ? The pink seedling that you posted is really beautiful. Do you have a name for it? My seedlings look so tiny now I am hoping they will bloom in a couple of years because they are from single, lotus-like parents.

Oscar, it will be nice to take some of your TPs and seedlings with you

The seedling I posted has no name yet, just a seedling. It may be one I register. Have had input from a few places and seemed overwhelmingly positive.

As far of length of time from seed to flower.....I hesitated on a reply right away because I don't at all want to discourage anyone in any way. There is no greater reward in gardening, in my opinion, than growing out seeds.

That said, I imagine genetics play a part as do growing conditions. Rockii blood is in the above shorter duration seedling, and I have heard they can be shorter seed to flower timeline. I asked a peony hybridizer about this one I had that had not bloomed for 6 years and is it possible "that it never would"...his reply was....some take longer and he said he had heard some can take as long. It was not a shock at all.

It did finally bloom and is beautiful. I am sure I posted the one here. Worth the wait, you bet. Annoying while you are waiting...you bet.

Jasmin, I bet you don't wait 7 years. And I very much look forward to the day you post your seedlings. And the virtual smile and excitement I will feel through your post when you do.

Start seeds. You won't regret it.

Tracey, it may be comforting that all the TP that could be involved in making my seedlings are Rockii types, or with a very strong Rockii lineage. I am ready to wait. Since one of them is already in its second year... Who knows... Maybe we will be lucky. Hope the little ones will survive. Will do my best to help them.

How big do they get when they start blooming? Could you please take a picture of one of your seedlings that bloom for the first time? I just need to see the size, branching habit, etc. Thank you.

I don't know if this is a good example. This one will bloom this year and it has a remarkable 6 buds. I wouldn't say it is normal, but it is a first flowering tree peony seedling.
Typically they sport one or two. Some are shorter and still flower. I would say a bit of a thicker than pencil woody stem has a chance if it is at least three years old.

Tracey, that is amazing!!

Congratulations on your seedlings gs, Jasmin! My only contribution is to watch both the potted and those in the ground for moisture levels, I lost several volunteers to dry conditions.

magnolialover said: I don't know if this is a good example. This one will bloom this year and it has a remarkable 6 buds. I wouldn't say it is normal, but it is a first flowering tree peony seedling.
Typically they sport one or two. Some are shorter and still flower. I would say a bit of a thicker than pencil woody stem has a chance if it is at least three years old.

Thank you very much! Now I can imagine what the seedling is supposed to look like. I am surprised at how much new growth your seedling has got. Amazing

Liz I think I lost one seedling last year because I didn't pay attention to it. I will have to keep an eye on all four seedlings this year; those in the pot and those in the ground