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Northern Blue Flag Seeds

Iris versicolor

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: To help soften the hard seed coat, soak the seeds overnight in warm water before planting. To germinate, these flower seeds for sale need a period of several months of cold followed by warmth. To accomplish this naturally, direct sow the seeds on the surface of the soil in fall; they will begin to germinate in the late spring and early summer. Alternatively, the seed can be store in moist sand in the refrigerator for 60-90 days then planted on the surface of the soil in peat pots. For best results use slightly acidic soil, keeping it moist and at a temperature of 70-75 degrees F until germination. This flower seed for sale germinates rather slowly, usually beginning to sprout after approximately three months. Keep in mind that germination will continue through the first several years, as the seeds gradually come out of dormancy. The seedlings can be planted outdoors in late spring or early summer or when there is no chance of frost, or when they have reached a height of 4-6".

Growing: Seedlings will need regular watering until they become established. Mature plants also prefer moist soil, thriving even in 2-4" of standing water. These native plants flourish with little attention, and eventually form natural colonies that last for decades. When fully grown, the plants can easily be divided in late fall. Blooming usually begins in the second year after planting the flower seeds for sale. This plant attracts bees and butterflies.

Harvesting: These blossoms do not perform well as cut flowers, and are best enjoyed outdoors.

Seed Saving: Very soon after blooming, this plant will produce large green pods that quickly turn brown and drop their seed. Gather the pods as soon as the seeds inside have turned brown; spread the pods out to dry completely, then separate the seeds from the husks. Store the cleaned seed in a cool, dry place; for best results, plant the seed as soon as possible.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Dagger Flower, Water Iris, Liver Lily, Harlequin Blueflag

Latin Name: Iris versicolor

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

US Regions: Midwest, Northern, Northeast

Seeds per Ounce: 1,100

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 16 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 16 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 36 Inches

Color: Blue

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer

Uses: Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~15 Seeds) $3.48 -+
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $14.00 Notify Me
1 Oz Mylar (~1,100 Seeds) $40.00 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $160.00 Notify Me
1 Lb Bulk Bag (454g) $600.00 Notify Me
5 Lb Bulk Bag (2.27kg) $2,700.00 Notify Me
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DESCRIPTION

The most well-known of the native Irises, these lacy blue and violet blossoms are a must for every gardener. This hardy perennial thrives in wetland areas, but can also be grown in mesic garden soils. It takes a few years to get up to blooming size.
The Northern Blue Flag (Iris versicolor) is the most well-known of the native irises. Native Americans and early settlers found a practical use for the Iris versicolor plant, using the strong fibers from the leaves to make ropes, nets, and string. The word "iris" comes from Greek, meaning "rainbow." The mythical Iris of Greek legend personified the rainbow, acting as the messenger from heaven to earth. This flower also appears in ancient Egyptian sculpture and tradition, as a symbol of life and power.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: To help soften the hard seed coat, soak the seeds overnight in warm water before planting. To germinate, these flower seeds for sale need a period of several months of cold followed by warmth. To accomplish this naturally, direct sow the seeds on the surface of the soil in fall; they will begin to germinate in the late spring and early summer. Alternatively, the seed can be store in moist sand in the refrigerator for 60-90 days then planted on the surface of the soil in peat pots. For best results use slightly acidic soil, keeping it moist and at a temperature of 70-75 degrees F until germination. This flower seed for sale germinates rather slowly, usually beginning to sprout after approximately three months. Keep in mind that germination will continue through the first several years, as the seeds gradually come out of dormancy. The seedlings can be planted outdoors in late spring or early summer or when there is no chance of frost, or when they have reached a height of 4-6".

Growing: Seedlings will need regular watering until they become established. Mature plants also prefer moist soil, thriving even in 2-4" of standing water. These native plants flourish with little attention, and eventually form natural colonies that last for decades. When fully grown, the plants can easily be divided in late fall. Blooming usually begins in the second year after planting the flower seeds for sale. This plant attracts bees and butterflies.

Harvesting: These blossoms do not perform well as cut flowers, and are best enjoyed outdoors.

Seed Saving: Very soon after blooming, this plant will produce large green pods that quickly turn brown and drop their seed. Gather the pods as soon as the seeds inside have turned brown; spread the pods out to dry completely, then separate the seeds from the husks. Store the cleaned seed in a cool, dry place; for best results, plant the seed as soon as possible.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Dagger Flower, Water Iris, Liver Lily, Harlequin Blueflag

Latin Name: Iris versicolor

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

US Regions: Midwest, Northern, Northeast

Seeds per Ounce: 1,100

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 16 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 16 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 36 Inches

Color: Blue

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer

Uses: Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant