The Siberian Iris is also known as Siberian Flag. It originates from Europe and Central Asia. It is found in countries such as France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Moldova, Ukraine, Turkey, Armenia and, of course, Siberia. It is a very attractive perennial that propagates via seeds and rhizomes. It is a member of the Iris family (Iridacea), as are freesia, crocus, gladioli, yellow iris, variegated crocus, saffron crocus and blue iris. The beautiful, striking blue flowers stand above grass-green, grass-like leaves. This plant thrives in dry places, but also in damp spots. Do not leave the plant standing in water. It is an easy garden plant that is very elegant. The flowers stand on tall stems. The large flowers can be up to 12 cm in diameter.
This plant flowers in May and June. It is hardy but not evergreen. Position: sun - partial shade. Moist soil. It is a beautiful cut flower that is very popular with bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. It is an easy plant to grow and maintain. After flowering, the leaves can be removed. Also remove the flower bud, as this ensures that the plant puts all its energy into the rhizomes for the following year. Hardy perennial. Height: 70 - 100 cm.
Pre-Soak: 3 - 5 days
Indoor sowing: January - February
Outdoor sowing: September - October
Germination: 30 - 180 days
Germination temp.: 18 - 22 ºC
Sowing depth: shallow - ½ cm
Planting distance: 35 - 55 cm
Plant position: sun - half shaded
Flowering period: May - July
The Siberian Iris is a cold germinator that germinates very irregularly. The seeds must be soaked and filed before sowing. This ensures slightly faster germination. The seeds first need a period of warmth and then a cold period. Sow the seeds from mid-January in a tray filled with well-moistened potting soil. Place the seeds at a temperature of 18 - 22°C for about 14 days. Keep them warm and moist and don't let the temperature drop, especially at night. After this, you must give the seeds a cold period of 14 - 21 days at a temperature of about 4°C. You can easily do this by placing the seeds in the refrigerator. After this, allow the seeds to slowly return to room temperature. From the beginning of May, you can place the seeds outside during the day to harden them off. Do this for about 10 - 14 days. After this, from mid-May, as soon as there is no longer any chance of night frost, place the young plants outside in a sunny, slightly moist place with partial shade. Maintain a planting distance of 35 - 55 cm.
Sowing outdoors is possible from September onwards. Sow the seeds in a sunny, moist spot with partial shade. Cover the seeds with a very thin layer of potting soil. The seeds will sprout automatically the following spring. Thin out the young plants as soon as they are large enough to handle. The leaves disappear in winter and reappear the following year from spring onwards. Once the flowers have finished flowering, remove the flower buds, but leave the rest in place as this feeds the rhizomes.
