I03 



III. PROPAGATION AND CULTURE. 



Propagation of herbaceous kinds. — The propagation of her- 

 baceous peonies is a simple matter. Two methods are usually prac- 

 ticed, viz. by sowing seeds and by simple division of the fleshy root- 

 stocks. The species of herbaceous peonies in a wild state ar^ 

 quite variable. When seeds are collected from plants in cultiva- 

 tion, they will rarely if ever come true. Therefore for the pro- 

 duction of new varieties seeds are practically always used, and 

 when once a desirable variety is obtained from seed; it is then 

 propagated by the asexual method of dividing the roots. Peony 

 seeds germinate slowly, and when they are allowed to dry 

 thoroughly, their viability is greatly decreased. For best results, 

 they should be planted soon after mature in sandy loam soil and 

 about two inches deep. Many of them will germinate the following 

 spring, but some will not come up till a year later. If they have 

 become dry, they should be soaked in warm water for a day or 

 two previous to planting. As the seed-coat is hard and bony, some 

 vv^riters say it is advisable to file a nick in each seed to facilitate the 

 absorption of moisture. As soon as the seedlings appear above 

 ground, they should be shaded with a lath or brush screen to pro- 

 tect them from the direct rays of the sun. The young plants 

 should not be transplanted to their permanent position in the test 

 rows till they have remained in the seed beds for one year. 



Propagation by root division should be done in September or 

 after the tops have fully matured. The entire mass of roots 

 should be dug up and stored in a cool, shady place for a few days 

 until the fleshy roots become somewhat flaccid. They may then 

 be divided with a sharp knife, leaving at least three strong buds^ 

 to each plant. The plants should then be replanted at once. It 

 often happens that in digging, pieces of the lower part of the 

 roots will be broken ofi:'. It does not usually pay to attempt to save 

 these, but if the variety is a rare and valuable one, these pieces; 

 may be planted by themselves and some of them at least will put 

 forth adventitious buds, and with coaxing and plenty of time may 

 be reared into good strong plants. 



A new method of propagating the herbaceous peony without lift- 

 ing the old roots, is described by " G. B. M." [Mallett], 1904. 

 '' Over a vigorous clump of old roots place three inches of light 

 soil in early spring. The shoots will push through this and flower. 

 In the following September remove the soil, and the resting buds 



