How to plant iris seeds? Detailed sowing methods and techniques

Bought iris seeds online but still do not know how to plant them? Irises are not very common, and keeping a pot at home can easily become a talking point with friends. The seeds have arrived, and all that is left is to get hands-on. But how exactly should this flower be cared for?

Soil requirements

Irises do not have very high demands on the environment. They can be planted in spring or autumn. Irises are not demanding about soil; as long as drainage is good and a certain level of moisture is maintained, that is enough. For some irises with a short growth cycle, good soil is essential. If the soil is heavy, adding some peat, vermiculite or coarse sand and mixing it in can improve the soil.

Greenhouse control

Soil temperature is quite important; it should be kept at a minimum of 5-8°C, and at most no higher than 20°C. The level of soil temperature affects the emergence of iris seedlings. The optimal temperature is between 16-18°C.

When growing irises in a greenhouse, the optimal temperature is 15°C. For about the first three weeks, keep the greenhouse temperature at 18°C. At 13°C, or within the low temperatures that irises can tolerate, their growth period will be extended and the weight of the irises will increase, but the flowers are prone to wilting.

In autumn, the greenhouse must be ensured sufficient light, while the temperature inside the greenhouse should be somewhat lower to prevent the flowers from wilting. It is best at 10-13°C. During the plant's growth stage, pruning of the leaves should be considered.

The average temperature between day and night is 20-23°C, with the low temperature kept within the range that irises can tolerate. High temperatures with little sunlight are an important cause of flower wilting.

In areas prone to frost disasters, the cultivation process is best carried out in a greenhouse. The growing temperature is better at night. Greenhouses without temperature control equipment should be closed earlier, which will make the nighttime temperature more suitable for iris growth. In the daytime, ventilation should be carried out as early as possible to prevent the temperature from exceeding 18°C and harming the irises. Shading sunlight is one means of temperature control, but an appropriate amount of light should still be maintained.

Drainage requirements

A well-equipped drainage system allows water to be more fully utilized by the soil. This can also solve the problem of salt accumulation caused by insufficient water.

Key points of fertilizing

Fertilizing before planting irises can cause the roots of the irises to grow slowly. Simply put, fertilizing should be adapted to local conditions. Different soils require different fertilizers. Irises cannot use phosphate fertilizer or triphosphate fertilizer. Diphosphate fertilizer can be used.