Iris
Also known as: Iris spp.
10 types of iris
Blackberry Lily
2 yearsalso: Iris domestica, Leopard Lily, Belamcanda chinensis
Not a true lily — iris-relative with orange spotted flowers and blackberry-like seed pods.
Blue Flag
2–3 yearsalso: Iris versicolor, Harlequin Blueflag, Larger Blueflag, Northern Blue Flag
Native wetland iris with striking violet-blue flowers; excellent for rain gardens and pond margins.
Blue Juno Iris
2–3 yearsalso: Iris magnifica var. f. caerulea
Blue-flowered form of the magnificent Juno iris.
Douglas Iris
2–3 yearsalso: Iris douglasiana
Pacific Coast native with lavender-blue flowers; prefers dry summers and mild winters.
Japanese Iris
2–3 yearsalso: Iris ensata, Ensata Japanese Iris, Japanese Water Iris
Large showy blooms in purple, white, or pink; loves moist, acidic soil at pond edges.
Juno Iris
2–3 yearsalso: Iris magnifica, Magnificent Iris
Tall Juno iris with fragrant pale blue or white flowers; needs dry summer dormancy.
Rocky Mountain Iris
2–3 yearsalso: Iris missouriensis, Western Blue Flag, Wild Blue Iris
Native western iris with pale blue to lavender flowers; prefers meadows and moist ditches.
Siberian Iris
2–3 yearsalso: Iris sibirica
Elegant clump-forming iris with slender leaves and blue, purple, or white blooms; very hardy.
Stinking Iris
2–3 yearsalso: Iris foetidissima, Gladdon, Gladwin Iris, Roast Beef Plant
Evergreen species with dull flowers but spectacular orange seeds visible in split pods.
Yellow Mongolian Iris
2–3 yearsalso: Iris bloudowii
Small species iris with bright yellow flowers; hardy and drought-tolerant once established.
When & where
Germination
Spacing & depth
How to plant
Sow fresh seed in a prepared nursery bed in fall, or cold-moist stratify 8–12 weeks and sow in spring. Keep seedlings moist and in bright light. Grow on for a year or two before planting out to a permanent spot.
Pre-sow treatment
Cold-moist stratify 8–12 weeks; some species benefit from a warm period first.
Grower's tip
Irises are usually propagated by rhizome division, but growing from seed is rewarding for species and hybrids. Do not bury rhizomes too deeply when transplanting.
Soil preferences
Well-drained garden soil. Native/wildflower species prefer lean soil; cutting flowers prefer richer beds.
6.0–7.0
Work 1 in of compost into beds before sowing. Skip nitrogen fertilizer on wildflowers — it favors foliage over blooms.
Watering
1 in per week during establishment, drought-tolerant once rooted for most species.
Deep, infrequent soakings at the base. Overhead water on ornamentals promotes botrytis and rust.
Overwatered: rotted crowns, mildew, floppy stems. Underwatered: small blooms, curled leaves, quick fade.
Prefers top-watering — Trees are always top-watered — deep slow soak at the drip line, never at the trunk. Bottom-watering only makes sense for nursery seedlings.
Temperature tolerance
60–80°F (16–27°C) ideal for most annuals
50–65°F (10–18°C)
Cool-season annuals (larkspur, poppy, snapdragon) tolerate light frost; warm-season annuals (zinnia, cosmos, marigold) are frost-tender.
Container growing
Possible with the right cultivar
8–14 in (20–35 cm) wide
Compact and dwarf types do best in pots; tall cutting flowers need staking.
Succession planting
Sow cutting flowers (zinnia, cosmos, sunflower) every 3 weeks through midsummer for continuous cut stems.
Detailed harvesting
Cut in early morning when stems are turgid. For cutting varieties, harvest when the bud is just showing color and 1–2 outer petals have opened.
Post-harvest storage & preservation
Immediately re-cut stems underwater and place in clean cool water for 4 hrs before arranging. Petals can be dried on screens for potpourri or crafts.
Culinary, medicinal & other uses
Cut flowers, dried arrangements, pollinator habitat, edible garnishes (borage, nasturtium, calendula, viola).
Medicinal or traditional uses are shared for interest only — this is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before using any plant medicinally.
Seed saving
Mostly insect-pollinated (outcrossing).
For pure strains, isolate 150–800 ft or bag heads. Wildflower mixes are meant to cross freely.
Stop deadheading favorite blooms; let heads dry brown and rattling on the stem, then collect into a paper bag.
Your zone's planting calendar
Pick your USDA hardiness zone and we'll estimate the key dates for iris in your area. These are regional averages — always check your own last-frost forecast before sowing.
From your kitchen — grow iris from what you already have
Deadhead less. Let the best blooms fade and set seed on the plant — that's your next year's packet.
- 1Mark 2–3 of your favorite flowers with a bit of yarn and stop deadheading them.
- 2Wait until the seed head or pod dries fully on the plant — brown, papery, and rattling.
- 3Cut whole heads into a paper bag on a dry day; shake or rub to free seed.
- 4Sieve out chaff and store cool and dry in a labeled envelope.
Storage: 2–5 years for most flower seed.
My Iris notes
Iris seeds on hand
Track packets and loose seeds you already have. Private to your account.
Par level — leave at 0 for no alert. Anything below par shows on Seed Starting and your shopping list.
Order more seeds
Running low? Reorder from one of these seed stores.
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