The process of cultivating new peony plants from their seeds represents a method of plant reproduction where genetic material is combined to create offspring. This contrasts with vegetative propagation, such as division or grafting, which produces clones of the parent plant. Seed propagation offers the potential for creating peony varieties with unique characteristics, although it requires patience and a longer timeframe compared to other methods.
Germinating peony seeds allows breeders and enthusiasts to introduce novel traits and expand the genetic diversity of peony collections. Historically, seed propagation has been instrumental in the development of new peony cultivars. While results are not guaranteed to match the parent plant, the possibility of cultivating superior or distinct forms makes the endeavor worthwhile for those interested in peony hybridization and improvement.