Pacific BX 193 - SIGNA
Dennis Kramb (Sun, 07 Dec 2008 12:00:13 PST)

Laura & Dave wrote:

James Waddick wrote:

By a strange coincidence, I am one of the seed exchange
co-chairs for the Species Iris Group of North America (SIGNA).

Also by a strange coincidence, I'm one of the member recipients of seed
from SIGNA, with a question!! Should the seed be planted now, or can it
be held until early spring. I live in the maritime Pacific Northwest
(Western Washington, USA to be more exact). Or is this one of those
questions that depends on what I have? I'm assuming I'm at the bottom
of the learning curve concerning Iris germination, as I haven't had as
great a success as desired, especially with the bearded Iris.

Well as webmaster for SIGNA I guess we have all the bases covered!!!
LOL. But to answer your question, in my experience iris seeds benefit
from cool moist stratification during the winter months. I live in Zone
6 (very near to Zone 5) and I plant my seeds in December or January so
they can get exposure to plenty of freeze/thaw cycles and inevitably
there is a flush of germination in spring. I realize it may not freeze
in your garden, but I think the seeds would respond the same way if you
were to plant them now.

I'd like to echo that SIGNA is another great group, with a very
informative newsletter, that comes pre-punched for a three ring binder
(I just wish someone would adjust the hole punch!!... hint hint).

Oh my! I never realized other people had that problem. Hahaha... glad
to know I'm not crazy!

Dennis in snowy Ohio
(hey that would be a cool name for a town... Snowy, Ohio)