Many feel that hybridizing is only for the experts – which is simply not true!
It is a relatively simple process, but it does take up to three years to see the
resulting bloom from your new creation. Give it a try! Below are simplified
instructions.
Reproduction and Increases
One way iris reproduce is by growing three to four side increases, like the eyes
on a potato. These eyes grow into fully mature rhizomes in one year. This is
known as asexual or vegetative reproduction.
Another way iris reproduce is by seed propagation. Anyone can hybridize iris
from seed. All that’s needed is a little basic information on where the pollen
is found and where to put it. Growing iris from seed culture produces varieties
genetically.
Pollen
Inside each bloom are both male and female sex organs. Just behind the beard you
will see the male stamen. Directly above the stamen is the style crest (stigma).
After the bloom is opened, and on a dry windless day, take tweezers and remove
the stamen, keeping the pollen on the stamen intact. Rub the pollen on the lip
of the style crest (stigma) of another iris flower (there is a small sticky area
that receives the pollen). Your chances of successful pollination will be better
if you put pollen on all of the style crests. You MUST leave the bloom on the
stalk.
Label your pollinated flower by attaching a tag bearing the names of which iris
parents you used. The POD parent is always first and the POLLEN parent is
second.
If the pollination is successful, the ovary, which is just below the flower,
will begin to swell after two weeks and will continue until the bloom has
dropped off leaving a thumb-sized seedpod.
Seed
Keep an eye on the pod – let it ripen until late summer. Once it appears to be
turning brown to split open, harvest the golden brown seed and allow them to dry
for a couple more months. Be sure to keep the parentage information with the
seed. |
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In late October plant the seed about 3/4” deep and 1” apart in well-drained
soil. The planted seed should spend the winter outdoors. The following spring,
little iris plants will grow from the seed you have planted. Separate and
replant the “baby” iris when they become crowded. Grow to maturity and enjoy the
blooms the next spring – a wonderful surprise of color you helped create!
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