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DIETES iridioides
Cape Iris
Stock: Available
Family: Iridaceae
Subfamily: Iridoideae
Characteristics: Perennial 1 m spread 1 m
Seeds per packets: 15
Clump forming strappy leaves in a spreading fan with branching wiry stems that carry Iris like flowers that are white with central yellow marks 6-8 cm wide.
Extremely hardy plant that requires little care.
Native to South Africa.
Prefers a light to medium well-drained soil in an open sunny position, drought and frost resistant.
Although seed can be sown most of the year in Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 15-20°C.
Seeds germinate readily, however they do have a hard outer coating which is impervious to water and generally germination will normally not occur unless the seed is scarified by abrading or pre-treated with boiling water first.
- Soak seed overnight in water.
- Sow on the surface and cover lightly. Do not bury deeply as seed requires a degree of light to germinate.
- Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
- Place in a warm shaded or semi shaded position to avoid dying out.
- Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
- Germination should occur in 21-18 days @ 15-20°C.
General note: Seeds of many species are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.
