Blackberry Lily

Blackberry Lily is a beautiful leopard-spotted iris that makes fruits that resemble blackberries. It attracts a large variety of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Its sword-shaped leaves grow in a fan, and its tall flower and seed stalks are great for cut-flower arrangements. Native to eastern Russia, China, and Japan where its rhizomes are used medicinally for many ailments.

Days to maturity: Will likely flower in first year

Seeds per pack: 40

Germination rate: 56% (total viability: 82%) on 6/29/2023 (read more about viability)

Planting / harvesting notes

Iris species can be difficult to germinate. You will likely achieve better results from a combination of breaking the seed coat (gently rub the seeds with sandpaper or a rock) and cold stratification (several weeks in the refrigerator). We keep our Blackberry Lily seeds in the refrigerator before filling them into packets, but you may want to refrigerate them longer if you can.

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost and keep above 70 degrees. Up-pot your seedlings to 3" pots. For best results, harden off the seedlings before transplanting them into your garden after the last frost.

Seed keeping notes

Harvest the seed clusters when the fleshy fruits have shriveled and the seeds inside have hardened. Cut the entire stem and allow the seedheads to dry further in a dry, ventilated place. Remove the flesh from the seeds and allow the seeds to dry further before storage.

Collections