Hi. My tall bearded iris started developing seedpods.
Unfortunately two of the stems broke at the rhizome due to rhizome rot. These were about a month apart and only a few days into the development of the pods.
I managed to save the pods on the stems and placed them in some water. Two kept growing as the stems began to dry up and discolor, one of the pods just started discoloring and showing signs of decomposition or rot. I opened the pod and there were smaller seeds. This particular pod had stayed green for about 2 months.
My questions related to this are, has anyone grown plants from seed pods that were broken off the rhizome before they were fully ripened and breaking open?
Also, is 2 months long enough for the seeds to possibly be viable?
The seeds appear white, still, with a couple that became mushy and dark.
I am going to dry them and attempt to grow them after the cold striation period.
I was mostly curious if anyone experimented with seeds from pods that hadn't fully ripened on the plant. If so, what types of time frames for the pods to be "ripe enough to harvest" to contain viable seeds.
Thanks for any insight or experiences.
Steve M

Yes. Sometimes the seeds from broken off pods germinate, sometimes they don't. If the seeds were still white when you opened the pods, they probably won't germinate, but it never hurts to try. When you get ready to stratify them, first put them in a cup of water. If they sink, there's still a chance they'll germinate. If they float, you might as well toss them right then and there.

Steve ~ to the Iris Forum!

Steve and good luck with your seeds!

steve, good luck on the germination and growth.

to the iris forum Steve.

Kent: Great information!