Propagation: growing iris from seed, 1 by

wrote:
murkov2,
Glad to help. Yes, you need to dry them for at least 1 week to prevent rot. You will see the change in color and hardness between seeds that are haravested (which are tan) compared to dried seeds that are dark brown and hard.

Don't wait for color change or you may loose them. Check to see if there is a slit in the pod however tiny. They can go from no stil to a slit over night. When the pod begins to open, then pick it so you don't loose any seeds.

If you worr about loosing seeds, or need to be away a few days, here is a nifty idea I came across and used.

Buy some cheap kneehigh nylons. Then cut in half. The second half tie a knot. Each sock need one closed end and one open end however it is done. Thread the sock over the pod and tie it closed under the pod using a thin wire that you thread around the open end. Works like a charm. If the pod opens before you get to it, the seeds will fall and remain in the sock.

The reason you use nylons is that they dry fast should it rain and air will flow around the pod.