Dietes Iridioides – 10 Seeds

Wood Iris (Dietes Iridioides) produces dainty lily-like flowers which are 6–8cm wide with 6 free tepals. The flowers are white with yellow and violet markings. Each bloom lasts a single morning, but new flowers open continually during the flowering season.

The plant can grow up to 60cm in height with a 30–60cm spread, with sword-shaped, dark green leaves in a loose fan.

Common names: wild iris, wood iris (Eng.); wilde-iris (Afr.); indawo-yehlathi, isiqiki-sikatokoloshe, isishuphe somfula (isiZulu)

Growing Dietes Iridioides

Indoor Sowing: Autumn.

Direct Sowing: Autumn.

• It is easy to grow, requiring well-drained soils and sunny or semi-shade conditions.
• Sow the seed in Autumn and germination will then take place in Spring.
• Scarify the seed and then soak seed overnight in water.
• Sow on the surface and cover lightly. Do not bury too 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, but not wet.
• Optimum germination temperature is 20°C
• During the spring, a good fertilizer will go a long way in aiding the growth and success of these plants.
• Clumps can be divided manually for easy propagation too. They should be divided before flowering, in the early spring.
• Plants grown from Seeds  will take a few years to flower for the first time.
• The plants are both frost and drought hardy and will grow in either sun or shade. However, for best results and most flowers, plant in full sun or light shade in well composted, well drained soil.
• Water the plant well in summer.