From: jwilson@bach.udel.edu (Jim Wilson)
Subject: Re: Iris seed propagation?
Keywords: iris setosa, iris sibirica, propagation, seed
Date: Sat, 6 Mar 1993 04:01:36 GMT

ceci@lysator.liu.se (Cecilia Henningsson) writes:
> I have seeds for Iris sibirica and I. setosa. As far as I know they
> just want the normal seed starting procedure, using a mini
> greenhouse on my window sill and sowing them in gritty
> compost. Would anyone have any additional tips for improved
> germination rates?  

Currier McEwen in _Siberian Irises_ says to protect seeds from
dehydration and refrigerate above freezing for at least three weeks in
a plastic bag.  If they are dry, dust them with an antifungal agent
and add a few drops of water to the sealed bag.  Plant in a sterile
medium about 1.25cm deep, with flats in a sunny window or under
lights.  If lights, they should be on at least 14 hours daily, and can
be on continuously.  Fritz Ko"hlein in _Iris_ mentions keeping seeds
as sterile as possible, soaking in 1:50 Clorox and then rinsing first,
then covering by not more than 1cm.  Carl Jorgensen says in _The World
of Irises_ (ed. Warburton/Hamblen) that chipping of the seed has
proved successful, and says soaking seeds in running oxygenated water
may also help to leach out germination inhibitors.  All seem to agree
on a cold but above freezing period of 21-30 days or more as
important, followed by good standard practices and your choice of
tricks.