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Wild Blue Iris Seeds

Iris missouriensis

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: To help soften the hard seed coat, soak the wild blue iris seeds overnight in warm water before planting. To germinate, these seeds need a period of several months of cold followed by warmth. To accomplish this naturally, direct sow the Iris Missouriensis seeds 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 1/2" deep in peat pots. For best results, use slightly acidic soil and keep the soil moist but not wet until germination. These wild blue iris seeds germinate rather slowly, often taking several months to sprout. 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 frequent watering until they become established, though mature plants are rather drought tolerant and do not require moist soil. 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.

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 Iris Missouriensis 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.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Rocky Mountain Iris, Wild Blue Iris

Latin Name: Iris missouriensis

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas

Seeds per Ounce: 1,650

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 18 Inches

Color: Blue

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer

Uses: Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~100 Seeds) $3.48 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~1,650 Seeds) $12.00 $11.47 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $28.90 -+
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $102.00 Notify Me
5 Lb Bulk Bag (2.27kg) $459.00 -+
10 Lb Bulk Bag (4.54kg) $816.00 -+
25 Lb Bulk Bag (11.3kg) $1,938.00 -+
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DESCRIPTION

Equally at home in mountain meadows and moist woodlands, this native perennial is sure to please. The lovely blue blossoms resemble a domesticated Iris, but they do retain some of their wild appeal, even in a garden.
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. Native Americans and early settlers found a practical use for this plant, using the valuable fibers from the leaves to make ropes, nets, and string.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: To help soften the hard seed coat, soak the wild blue iris seeds overnight in warm water before planting. To germinate, these seeds need a period of several months of cold followed by warmth. To accomplish this naturally, direct sow the Iris Missouriensis seeds 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 1/2" deep in peat pots. For best results, use slightly acidic soil and keep the soil moist but not wet until germination. These wild blue iris seeds germinate rather slowly, often taking several months to sprout. 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 frequent watering until they become established, though mature plants are rather drought tolerant and do not require moist soil. 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.

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 Iris Missouriensis 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.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Rocky Mountain Iris, Wild Blue Iris

Latin Name: Iris missouriensis

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas

Seeds per Ounce: 1,650

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 18 Inches

Color: Blue

Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer

Uses: Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant