Blue Iris needs ID
Jane McGary (Thu, 08 Jun 2006 13:51:00 PDT)

Steve wrote about Iris missouriensis:

Seed was usually plentiful, and we've collected it, and sent it to seed

This species is notoriously difficult to germinate. I've tried several
times without success. I even tried a technique recommended by Gwen
Kelaidis: you put the seeds inside a bag made out of an old nylon stocking
and hang it inside the toilet tank (not the bowl!) below the water line.
The theory is that the constantly changing water will wash out the
germination inhibitors. After 2 weeks you plant the seeds. And then, in my
experience, they sit there stubbornly for 4 years until you throw them out.

However, the vast colonies of this iris growing in swales around the
semi-arid West suggest that it does indeed seed readily in the wild.

Jane McGary
Northwestern Oregon, USA