MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 23 
The growing from seed has the advantage of securing 
plants upon their own reots, but when it is realized that a 
year or more is required for germination and an additional 
five to six years before flowers are produced, the method is 
found to be too slow and precarious. 
The soil required for the maximum development of 
peonies should be a somewhat heavy clay loam, especially if 
quality of blooming is considered. For propagation pur- 
poses, however, a lighter soil is preferable. A thorough 
preparation of the beds is necessary because of the deep- 
rooting, gross-feeding propensities of the plant. Stable 
manure is considered the most efficient of fertilizers, but 
should not be applied in too fresh a state, as rotting or gen- 
eral debility of the plant will result. 
Early fall planting in September should be practised. 
The summer’s growth is then completed and the winter buds 
formed at the crown. Spring planting is not advisable be- 
cause of the unavoidable breaking off of the new rootlets 
which start very early in the gy om a consequent check- 
ing of growth. After the soil has been plowed two feet deep 
in September and enriched with well-rotted manure, the 
_ Toots may be lifted, divided, and planted in the new loca- 
tion, setting the plants three inches below the surface of 
the soil. This depth is essential to prevent freezing and 
heaving during winter. A slight mulch of straw, manure 
or litter is desirable. 
In the spring the mulch may be worked into the 
soil and thereafter shallow cultivation and occasional 
watering is given to keep the plants in a healthy condition 
during the summer. A slightly shady position would be 
beneficial in localities with extreme summer heat, as during 
exceptionally hot weather the foliage becomes brown early 
in the summer, often necessitating its removal. Some 
species, however, like P. tenuifolia, naturally lose their 
foliage shortly after blooming, to reappear again next spring. 
During the season the P. albiflora varieties require disbud- 
ding in order to increase the size and improve the form and 
color of individual flowers. 
Cut peonies would be appreciated to a greater extent were 
certain precautions taken in cutting. This should be done 
when the buds are just unfolding and rolling back the outer 
etals. Quick immersion into cold water to prevent air 
ing drawn into the stems, and storage in a cool place until 
expanded will prolong the keeping qualities considerably. 
This is impracticable for commercial purposes, but if fol- 
