How to Germinate Louisiana Iris Seeds

Gather seed pods from a stand of mature Louisiana irises in July once the oblong seed pods begin to dry out. Look for pods that are still slightly green at the base. Avoid pods that have split open completely.

Clip the Louisiana iris seed pods from the stem using anvil shears. Crack the pods open and extract the spongy, light-brown seeds. Sow them immediately after harvesting them.

Fill a 4-inch-deep seedling tray with a mixture of 2 parts compost, 2 parts coarse sand and 1 part perlite. Pour several cups of water over the soil mixture to saturate it.

Sow the Louisiana iris seeds 1/2 inch deep and at least 2 inches apart in the seedling tray. Spread a thin layer of coarse sand over the seeds to keep the soil moisture from evaporating too quickly.

Set the seedling flat outdoors under light to moderate shade. Do not expose the Louisiana iris seeds to strong sunlight during the germination process.

Water the seeds with several cups of water every three to five days to keep the soil moderately moist at all times. Do not allow the seeds to dry out.

Watch for germination beginning in four weeks. Transplant the Louisiana iris seedlings into individual 6-inch containers filled with the same soil mixture in Step 4 once they grow to at least 4 inches in height.

Place the potted Louisiana iris seedlings into a shallow pond or plant them in a partially shaded bed with constantly moist soil.