How to Hybridize Your First Bearded Iris

Are you bitten by the iris bug? Are you already growing some beautiful named varieties of dwarf, median, or tall bearded irises in your garden? Why not try hybridizing? It is an exciting and fun, low cost hobby for the gardener. What you will need: Tweezers, paper envelopes or seed packets, plastic weather proof hang tags, a waterproof fine tipped paint marker, an ink pen, notebook, a bag or apron to carry the needed items, small plastic pots with drainage holes, potting soil mix, a prepared seedling bed, and a plan. Let's get started!

For the best result at hybridizing your irises you want to develop a plan for the result that you desire. Do you want your resulting seeds to produce richer color, better growth form, a specific pattern, or color combination? You will make your first cross from the irises growing in your garden that have the characteristics you wish to achieve in your seedlings. If you want your plants to be taller, cross to a tall plant with sturdy stems. If you want to grow an iris that has multiple buds, cross to a plant that has that characteristic. If pattern is your interest, cross two plants that have pattern in the color you prefer. Think of your hybridizing efforts as an attempt to improve the plants you have. Write out your goals and the result you expect. List the names of the plants you plan to cross, and research their bloom time, and growth habits. Now you have a plan and are ready to head out into the garden to make it happen.