IRIS BLUE RIBAND

$3.51 / packet

In stock

Description

Huge, sumptuous flowers with wide, heavily marked petals open over an extended period from early to late summer. Some years ago we were given a few precious seeds from a skilled breeder of these desirable plants and these gems were the result. Their extreme breeding means that very few fertile seeds are ever set. With very few exceptions, they are reluctant to set pods. Around 70% of diploid crosses end up producing seeds, but only 20% of tetraploid crosses do so .....in a good year. In addition tetraploid pods typically contain fewer seeds. Finally, these seeds usually germinate more slowly than diploids and other irises, BUT they make fabulous, showy flowers, and are well worth the wait!!

Sowing Advice

For best results, sow immediately onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and germination can sometimes be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. We sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination, as many seeds have built-in dormancy mechanisms, often waiting for natural spring germination, hence giving them a full season of growth.