Paeonia officinalis ssp. banatica

Germination

Sow immediately. Sow directly in autumn. Sow 5cm deep into prepared soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Space seeds 25cm apart. Allow natural winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms. Indoors sow at any time, surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost in 10-15cm pots. Propagate or place in a clear polythene bag. Ideal temp. 20°C. Germination takes 3 months approx. Once germinated move the pot to a cold place, 4°C, the fridge is ideal, until spring, 2-4 months. Move to a nursery bed in spring and grow on for 1 year. Mulch in winter. Move to final position the following spring.

Growing

Prefers a deep, fertile, humus-rich soil which is moist but well-drained in a sheltered position. Prefers full or partial sun. May require support or staking.

Cultivation

Remove spent flowers as they fade. Cut the plant back after the foliage dies down in autumn.