Iris advice, please.

Insomniak · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2010, 11:17 AM

Hi people,

I have a couple of 3 year old Yellow Flag iris in my pond, they've finished flowering and have a good few seed pods visible.

I want to save the seeds for planting, so how long should I wait before removing the seed pods? The longer I leave them, the better, I think.
I have the idea that the seeds grow more successfully "planted", rather than left to fall into the pond. Is this theory correct?

I know once planted they take a long time to germinate, that's not a problem at all, but right now I just need a bit of advice as to when to remove the seed pods from the plants!

Hedera · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2010, 11:24 AM

It's best to wait till the pods have ripened. You can protect them by tying a paper bag around the stalk, as sometimes insects get in and spoil the seeds. As they ripen you can cut the stalk and keep it in water to finish. I have grown them in a seedtray with damp soil successfully.

Insomniak · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2010, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hedera

It's best to wait till the pods have ripened. You can protect them by tying a paper bag around the stalk, as sometimes insects get in and spoil the seeds. As they ripen you can cut the stalk and keep it in water to finish. I have grown them in a seedtray with damp soil successfully.

Paper bag is a great idea, as is cutting the stalk and keeping it in water. Excellent, and thanks!
Yes, at the moment I have some seed "rescued" from elsewhere and it's growing well in little seed trays. The little seedlings are almost 3inches tall.

I'm just looking forward to having the same success with the seed from my own pond plants!