Re: FREE PCN SEEDS

From: Vicki Jo Craig <cragiris@ipinc.net>

Hi, 
The initials PCN stand for Pacific Coast Native iris.  These are
delightfully light, airy, beardless iris which come in a multitude of
colors and patterns. They grow in compact clumps and may be grown in
place for many years without having to divide as we do with the bearded
iris. 

There are many different species that grow mainly in the Pacific Coast
areas. They are comprised mostly of Iris bracteata, I. chrysophylla,
Iris douglasiana, Iris fernaldii, Iris hartwegii, Iris innominata, Iris
macrosiphon, Iris Munzii, Iris purdyi, Iris tenax, and Iris tenuissima.


Their natural habitat is usually lightly wooded areas where the soil
tends to be slightly acidic rather than alkaline. They require good
drainage. Most of the moisture comes in the fall, winter and early
spring and they do best with long dry summers. Many grow in mountainous
areas where it can be very cold and snowy in the winter.  

They are known to grow well in Australia, England and New Zealand.  
Most species are found growin in light shade but some do very well in
direct sun. 

If you live in an area with summer rains it would be best to give them
sheltered areas where they would be kept dry. 
 
The seed seems to do best for us when planted in late November in pots
in which we wet down the soil and set them out for the winter. We have
an old counter top that sits about 3 feet off the ground where we set
out the pots for the winter. This keeps the slugs, and other pests away.
In the spring the seed germinate. When the seedlings are 4 to 5 inches
tall we transplant them to a permanent location and other than
occasional weed control (pulling) just let them grow. We have found that
bark dust or pine needle mulch works best. Not all seed will germinate
the first or even the second year. This is mother natures natural
survival protection.  So label you pot that you grow the seed in and
carefully remove the germinated seedlings and allow the remaining seeds
an opportunity to germinate the following year. Be sure the pots you
grow the seeds in have very good drainage. The seed must be kept moist
through germination but not overly wet. The winter cold is needed to
break dormancy so don't try to keep them away from cold weather.

Gosh, I hope this clarifies alot of questions I have been getting. If I
have failed to answer anyones questions, Please feel free to ask. 

I'm within a couple of days of sending out seed. There are still
hundreds of  seed available. 

Thanks to all of you who responded.

Vicki Craig

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