Iris seeds have a tough outer coat which can make germination difficult. Several procedures can be used to attempt to break down this coat. Carry out this experiment in the fall (mid-October in Missouri).

Equipment:

Iris seeds, which are available from local iris club, SIGNA seed exchange, AIS Youth Chairman or results of your own iris hybridizing; deep pots; potting or top soil; area in school garden where pots may be sunk; nail file; tea bag; household bleach; small containers such as coffee mugs; water.

Method:

1. Make strong tea and allow to cool to room temperature.
2. Mix one part bleach with ten parts water.
3. Set out nail file.
4. Distribute seeds, three or more per student. Use paper envelops to prevent loss.
5. Divide students into four groups by democratic method of your choice. Group one will soak seeds overnight (or up to 48 hours) in tea, rinsing with water afterward. Group two will soak their seeds overnight (or up to 48 hours) in bleach solution, rinsing afterward. Group three will file one corner of each seed with nail file. Group four will leave seeds untreated.

Planting:

Drop plastic marker (a plastic spoon works well) in bottom of pot with student’s name, group number and information on cross which produced the seed, if available. Fill pots with soil, tamping to remove air pockets. Press seeds into soil one inch deep and one or more inches apart. Place another label in top of pot repeating information. Sink pots in garden at ground level, charting the location of each.

Results:

Seedlings will begin to germinate in early spring. Offer a small prize to student with first germination or to student whose seedling first reaches one-half inch in height. Seedlings may be carefully removed from pots and lined out directly in garden in late spring.

Conclusion:

Chart the results of iris seed germination and determine which method worked best.