When to Plant Wild Blue Iris Seeds

Direct Sow Wild Blue Iris seeds in the fall for a spring/summer germination. These seeds can also be started indoors after a 60-90 day period of cold stratification.

Where to Plant Wild Blue Iris Seeds

Wild Iris thrives in full sun conditions with moist, well-drained soil. Ideally soil should have a pH between 6.1-7.8.

How to Plant Wild Blue Iris Seeds

Wild Blue Iris seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here.

Soak Wild Blue Iris seeds overnight and use a sharp knife to nick the pointed end of the seed to give this variety the best chance for germination. Direct sow seeds in the fall onto the surface of the soil and compress, but do not cover the seeds. If starting indoors, sow seeds in flats with moistened peat moss, and keep seeds moist. Germination will take place over the course of 2-3 months. Note that germination will continue over the course of the next few years. If cells don’t develop seedlings right away, do not discard them, as they likely will germinate eventually.

How to Care for Wild Blue Iris

Grow Iris seedlings under sheltered conditions until late spring, or approximately 6 weeks after the final frost date. Wild Blue Iris started indoors can then be transplanted outside. Seedlings will need frequent waterings, but once established, this variety is drought tolerant. After establishing, Wild Blue Iris will grow into a colony that can last several years. When fully grown, Iris can be divided in the fall months. As a perennial, blooming will likely not take place until the second season.