Question
I have some japanese Iris that appear to have seeds on them in the fall.  Are these true seeds that can be planted and will produce more flowers or are they something else that can just be thrown away?

Answer
Hi Monica,
Thanx for your question.  If the plant you have is a hybrid, the seed will not result in identical copies of the plant.  Instead, there should be wide variation and many of the plants will be inferior to the plant but that doesn't mean they won't be acceptable.    Personally, I don't waste much type with this kind of seed because the results are too variable for my tastes but everyone is different and if you want to try it, by all means go ahead.  You can always put the plants you don't like in the compost pile.  Plant the seed in a clear nursery bed in the fall where they can vernalize (get a cold treatment to break dormancy) over the winter.  The seedlings will resemble grass so make sure you keep them weeded once they emerge in the Spring.  Or, you can wrap the seed in a damp paper towel in the fall and leave them in the fridge in a sealed plastic baggie until January and then plant them in a pot about 1/2 inch deep and keep under lights until they emerge about 30 days later.  Separate each seedling as it becomes large enough to handle into separate pots.  Put outside after the last frost but put in the shade for 10 days to get them acclimated to the outdoors.  It will take 2-3 years to see a bloom.  I hope this helps.
Tom