Can anyone tell me what this is at top of my Iris....Are they seed pods?

Question

360 Sod (Donna Dixson) · Answer

Yes, they are.  The theory is that the seed pods rob energy from the roots and you will get less bloom next year if you allow them to remain on the plant.

Walter Reeves · Answer

But you could let one go ahead and turn brown and collect the seed inside. Plant them immediately and you'll have interesting blooms in a couple of years.

Faidra at CA Global Inc · Answer

I have the same thing w/my tulips, is the same true.

Dianne · Answer

thanks so very much...may try it....& yes, I have seen it on my tulips also but cut them off...

Susan S · Answer

@Dianne - I'm so glad you asked that question about the 'pods' forming on the Iris.  Since  I'm  a bit farther north, my Iris are just coming into full bloom now so no pods yet.  I've always wondered if I was supposed to whack them off or what?  Mostly I don't bother and my Iris are just as full and lush as ever.  SOOOOO,  it's a little confusing.  If you can plant the seeds from the pods but it's the rhizomes that you need to divide in order to propagate . . . .
Maybe I'll let some of the pods turn to seed & cut the rest off and see what happens!!

Toqua B · Answer

I have had MANY iris's over the years and have NEVER seen these pods.  Interesting.  Thank you for sharing.

Linda B · Answer

Yes, just as the rose will put out rose hips if you do not dead head the plant, so will the iris.I have never tried to plant any because Iris's are propogated by rhizomes...

Sandra R · Answer

I do believe these are seed pods, I've never let mine develope.

Paul M · Answer

Yep those are seed pods alright.

Martha B · Answer

seed pods

Ann S · Answer

wrap cheesecloth around them and let dry on there  then you can remove the cheesecloth and have your seeds ready to plant

Barbara R · Answer

careful not to let the seeds fall and germinate, if you have other irises in the same bed you could cross polinate risking losing the original one later on

Kathy G · Answer

never seen this with any of my irises. peculiar

Linda E · Answer

I would think its seed pods but yet it may be another bloom. Not sure

Millie C · Answer

yes they are seed pods

Judy J · Answer

Break them open and spinkle some in your garden.  All you got to do is water.and they will come up.

LCGPetrey · Answer

Look like seed pods but don't open until they've matured.  They'll probably pop open all by themselves.

DORLIS · Answer

Keep an eye on them and when they do open, plant them. You never do know what color you will get.

Susan · Answer

I have never seen this-how interesting!

Suzette Trimmer · Answer

As an old Iris Grower & lover of past decades. I just had to make a comment. To the few above who said they have never been on their own or ever, I simply can not imagine, and I am envious. For at this time of year I am constantly cutting down seed stems. Today, for example, I have cut off thus far 428 pods. Yes, you read that correctly, I give so many away and then there are those I literally scatter in the wind. Long Road trips along interstates I sincerely do throw all sorts of seeds indigenous to the region to have beautify the barren center regions. Many years later I have been lucky enough to see so many areas I recognize as having set seeds that grew many lovely pop up flower patches that everyone can enjoy.

Suzette Trimmer · Answer

Please accept my apology for such a late and delayed response. I would be more then happy to send you Iris seeds as many as you'd like.

Annie Doherty · Answer

What a lovely generous gesture scattering seeds and brightening up peoples lives, I wished I live in the US and had seed pods like these, they are amazing as are you.

Annie Doherty · Answer

Sorry I should have addressed this post to Suzette.

Rodrigo Sebidos · Answer

Irises produce a dry dehiscent fruit called capsule. Capsules differ from pods (Legumes) by splitting into several sutures before releasing the seed inside while pods generally split in two suture as in Legumes.​

Annie Doherty · Answer

You are absolutely correct Rodrigo, I recall these seed pods in my Grandfather's garden and once recall it bursting with a very loud pop and watching the seeds scattering. Thank you for sharing.

Rodrigo Sebidos · Answer

Welcome, Anne

Joann · Answer

I wasn’t sure what the pod was, and I carefully removed it when it got to be about 5-6 inches. I have it outside, and I am wondering if it will still dry out and have seeds that can produce more plants?

Curt · Answer

Reading all these comments are making my head hurt!

Basically I read somewhere to pull them off could hurt the main plant so I pulled them off, I'm starting a new area if flowers can I put the pods/seeds in or around the area and do I wait for the pods to open can I just place the pods In that area and let them do their thing

Can anyone tell me what this is at top of my Iris....Are they seed pods?

Suggested Project Book

No Way! These Pops of Color Were Made With Dollar Store Items!

Other

More

Can anyone tell me what this is at top of my Iris....Are they seed pods?

Suggested Project Book