Propagation: Iris Seedlings ? , 1 by

wrote:
Eglantyne, thanks. It is my very first iris from seeds so I am new at it. I have about 10 more iris plants from the same pod that didn't bloom this year. Will next year.

Wait until your pods begins to split on top before harvesting it. After you picked it, open it up to remove the seeds. Allow them to cure for 1 week on a paper plate. You can store them in the fridge until fall once they have cured.

When you are ready to begin germination (any time between Oct through Feb), soak the seeds in a container with hand hot water overnight. Allow to cool. The seeds need to remain in the water for at least 3 weeks. Change the water out daily using a strainer to catch the seeds (so as not to lose any). No nicking is necessary. This soaking and rinsing treatment is to remove the seed germination inhibitor present in the seed or seed coat. Outdoors, the fall rains and melting snow in winter do the same thing over a 3 to 4 month period.

Sow Iris seeds in pre-moistened potting soil 1/2" deep in a container such as plastic shoe boxes (cheap in Walmart). I covered the containers and left them out all winter long on North side of my house. Can also be left in an unheated garage or shed. Iris seeds require 12 weeks of less than 40 degrees temperature to break dormancy. They will sprout during spring when temperature reaches 55 to 70 degrees. Check the box during spring and plant any that sprouted in a 2” or 3” pot. Grow them under plant lights until all danger of frost is gone in your area. Harden them off. Then place the pots outdoors to get some more growth before planting in the ground. Feed with plant food low in nitrogen, 5-10-5 is good at ½ strength. First number is nitrogen.

If you are in a hurry to get them to sprout and gain more growing time, bring the box in to room temp early spring. The seeds will soon begin to sprout at higher temperature.

Good luck.

Below is one of my pods from last season to show what Iris seeds look like.