How to propagate iris

Propagation by division

Division can ensure the excellent traits of the variety and reduce variation.

Division time:

Iris can be divided after 3 to 4 years of growth. It is usually carried out in May in spring, or in mid-to-late September in autumn or after flowering. In northern areas, transplanting should be done on a sunny day with plenty of sunshine.

Division method:

First, select 3-4 year old plants, separate the rhizomes with a knife, cut off the remaining and diseased roots, and retain 3-4 buds on each plant. When dividing the plant in summer and autumn, cut off some of the leaves. Plant when the stems are about 25-30 cm long.

The rhizome of iris will grow taller year by year. When planting, cover the rhizome with more than 5 cm of soil, and add soil in time during maintenance.

After transplanting, water and fertilize appropriately, and the spring plants will bloom in the same year.

Seed propagation

Sowing time:

Seed propagation is the main source of new varieties. Through artificial or natural hybridization during the flowering period, the plants will bear fruit, and the seeds can be harvested in mid-January and sown immediately. Or place the seeds in an environment of 0~4℃ and sow them in February~March of the following year. It can also be sown in mid-September.

Sowing method:

Choose seeds grown that year and soak them in warm water for 6 to 8 hours to speed up germination.

Ensure the temperature is controlled at 15~25℃, spread the seeds evenly in the soil, cover with 2~3cm of soil, and the seeds will emerge in 30~40 days. When the seedlings grow to more than 10cm, they can be potted.

The sown irises grow slowly in a greenhouse, but the seedlings will always remain green. If sown in the greenhouse in winter, the plants can survive the winter without dormancy and will bloom a year earlier.