Did you know you can pollinate irises? By combining the stamen and the pistol, you create a seed pod. Let the seed pod grow on the flower stock until it looks as if it would burst open. This process can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. At that time, remove seed pod from stalk. It will look like the seeds in picture below. When the seed pod is dry, you can break open and remove seeds. The tiny seeds from seed pod will be about the size of a small green pea. Let seeds dry out completely they will shrivel up and be smaller than a pea. Now the seeds can be placed in a plastic bag and rinsed in warm water 2 to 3 times. Soak changing water every day For 7 days. Dry off seeds and cover with semi-moist napkins. Seeds and napkins can be stored in a plastic bag & put in refrigerator for 4-6 weeks. Take seeds out and rinse again in warm water, drain water, put seeds only in a plastic bag with rooting hormone powder. I prefer to use brand GardenSafe Take Root. Roll around seeds until covered white. Once covered sufficiently, they are now ready to plant in soil. Plant in good soil about one inch deep. I find that early September is the best time. They will start to sprout in Spring. From seed to flower, will depend on variety. It could take up to 3 years to see get blooms.
This was just what I needed. An iris that I have has grown a seed pod and according to your instructions is ready to come off the plant stalk. I have no idea what it was crossed with as I didn't do it. Now I'm anxious to start the next phase of the process. Thanks for your blog article. Wonder what I'll get.