Re OT-Plants: African iris seeds
- Subject: Re OT-Plants: African iris seeds
- From: J* a* C* W*
- Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 21:48:54 -0700
From: "Jeff and Carolyn Walters" <jcwalters@bridgernet.com>
> From: "Mark A. Cook" <billc@atlantic.net>
> Rita,
> If you find out anything certain, let me know. I know of someone
> who is interested in how to germinate the African Iris seeds as well.
John, Rita, and Mark
I had 100% success germinating seeds of African Iris (Dietes bicolor) from
SIGNA last year by following the directions provided by Anner Whitehead
along with the seeds of I. tectorum alba she sent me (I got 100%
germination on these, too). Anner's directions were as follows:
1. Put the seeds in a cup with about an inch of water and soak overnight;
drain and repeat three times with fresh water.
2. Fill a clean 4-inch pot with friable seed mix or vermiculite and water
well; allow pots to drain thoroughly (this was for about 20 seeds).
3. With the tip of a pencil (lead end) make holes about 1/8 inch deep on
surface, one for each seed.
4. Put seeds in holes; do not cover them.
5. Cover pot with a sheet of clear plastic wrap secured with a rubber band.
6. Place pot in a warm, well lighted place, but not in direct sun.
7. Lift corner of wrap every three days to maintain aerobic conditions.
8. Expect germination to start in about 10 days. Discard the plastic wrap
when most seeds have germinated or leaves reach a height of 1/2 inch.
9. Transplant when 3/4 inch tall; a toothpick is useful for lifting them.
Hints:
1. The soil should be moist, but not soggy or the seedlings may rot.
2. Any seeds that develop mold at one end are dead and should be removed.
3. Handle the seedlings by their leaves.
4. Transplant first into deep,1-inch cell packs or something similar.
5. Keep moving them up into larger pots as they grow.
I gave away many seedlings of both species last summer in 4-inch pots. At
the end of the season I wound up with four plants of each species. The
tectorum overwintered out of doors; the African iris on the windowsill in
my study. All seem to be doing fine at present.
I can't guarantee that you will get 100% germination if you follow this
method - that may have just been beginner's luck - but it does seem to be
an effective way to germinate the seeds of irises that do not require
stratification.
Good luck!
Jeff Walters in northern Utah (USDA Zone 4/5, Sunset Zone 2)
jcwalters@bridgernet.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe from this mailing list, or to change your subscription
to digest, go to the ONElist web site, at http://www.onelist.com and
select the Member Center link from the menu bar on the left.
