Starting iris seeds

I have finally found the info about putting my iris seeds in the frig, but do I need to soak these first? None of the info I found said. I have Japanese, Siberian, African, and pseudacorus. I've never had seeds before and want to do the right thing. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Pam

Catlady,

I chill my seeds for Siberian, pseudacorus and Japanese irises and then plant in soil in pots covered by plastic. When the Japanese and pseudacorus seedlings sprout I put the pot in a plastic container with lots of water in the potted to keep the soil realy wet until they can be transplanted into a larger container and placed in the pond. Use clay soil for the container in the pond as pseusdacorus and Japanese Irises are water loving plants. My Siberians I plant in sunny locations although they will do well in slight shade.

I've not tried the African Iris yet so I can't help you with those.

Joydie

Thanks Joydie, I'm off to get them in the frig. Pam

Does anyone have any idea how long you leave them in the frig before planting?

Here is the germination requirements for most of the iris species from Tom Clothier's site

"Impervious seed coats. Shake in dry sharp sand or nick carefully with a file. Sow at 18-22ºC (64-71ºF) for 2-4 wks, move to -4 to +4ºC (24-39ºF) for 4-6 wks, move to 5-12ºC (41-53ºF) for germination"

I've had good results from winter sowing Siberian & Japanese irises. I just planted them in covered containers and placed them outside in the cold for the winter. I didn't do any soaking or nicking of the seed coats. They started sprouting in the spring when soil temps warmed. Siberians bloomed the third year from sowing for me. It's a long wait but not too bad since planting rhizomes will often take a couple of years to bloom too.

ok, thanks for the info. I will give it a try.

Thanks Poppysue, After reading about winter sowing, I decided to give it a try this winter. I will be sure to do this with my Jap. iris seeds.

I stick mine in pots in the dead of winter, place outside on my deck, and leave alone. Come spring here they come..I also do the same with my daylilies..The chilling is done as Mother Nature intended..Works for me.
Larkie