How to Plant Water Iris Seeds

Water irises are a beautiful addition to any water garden or pond. They are easy to grow and maintain and add a pop of color to any aquatic landscape. Planting water iris seeds is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps.

Step 1: Gather the Materials

To plant water iris seeds, you will need a few materials. These include:

A planting container, such as a plastic pot or mesh basket

Aquatic planting soil

Water iris seeds

Water

Step 2: Prep the Planting Container

The first step is to prepare the planting container. Start by filling the container with aquatic planting soil. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container for the water iris seeds.

Next, make a small depression in the center of the soil with your finger. This will be where you plant the water iris seeds.

Step 3: Plant the Seeds

Take the water iris seeds and place them in the depression you made in the soil. Make sure to space them out evenly and not to overcrowd the container. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, just enough to cover them, and press down lightly to firm the soil.

Step 4: Add Water

After planting the seeds, add water to the container slowly. Fill it up to about an inch below the rim. This will allow enough space for the water to expand when the seeds begin to grow.

Make sure the water is at room temperature, as cold water can shock the seeds and prevent germination. You can also add a few drops of liquid plant fertilizer to the water to help the seeds grow.

Step 5: Care for the Seeds

Water irises prefer full sun and should be placed in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Make sure to keep the water level in the container consistent, as too much or too little water can harm the seeds.

As the water iris seeds start to grow, you may notice some algae forming on the surface of the water. This is normal and can actually benefit the growth of the seeds. However, if the algae becomes excessive, you can add some snails to the container to eat the excess algae.

Step 6: Harvest the Iris Seeds

Water iris seeds will mature in about six to eight weeks. You can tell they are mature by the brown pods or capsules they develop. Wait until the pods start to crack open before harvesting the seeds.

To harvest the water iris seeds, gently remove the pod from the container and break it open. The seeds should be brown and slightly dry. Store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant them again.

Conclusion

Planting water iris seeds is a rewarding and enjoyable process that can be done by anyone, regardless of their gardening experience. By following these simple steps, you can watch your water irises grow and add a beautiful touch to your water garden or pond.