Question
I was given a pod last fall and hung it by the stem to dry.  It became very hard so I broke it with a hammer this morning to get the seeds.  Was there a better way to handled it once it was cut from the vine?  Will the seeds grow or has it been ruined  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Deborah,
Thanx for your question.  Basically, pick you iris seed pod when it is completely brown and starting to split open at the end.  Over a white paper plate, gently open up the seed pod and you'll find brown or dark brown to black seeds inside.  Store the seeds in an airtight, dry, glass jar (with a lid) in a cool, dry, dark place until you're ready to plant.  Most iris seeds require vernalization or a cold-period to break dormancy.  What this means is, in a natural environment, the seed will not germinate until it has gone through a cold winter for at least 60 days.  That means, 60 days of consistent temperatures below 40篎/5篊.  A little moisture will help break dormancy too.  You can simulate this by placing seeds inside a damp paper towel, sealing it in a plastic baggie and putting inside your refrigerator for 60-90 days.  Then remove the seeds and plant in a pot of soil about 1/2 inch deep and germination should result in a couple of weeks and occur sporadically over several months.  Some species of iris have higher germination rates than others.  The other thing you can do is plant the seeds in a nursery bed in the fall and they will germinate in the spring.  Careful though!  The seedlings look like grass.  I hope this helps.
Tom