Dietes
bicolor Seeds
Common name:
Fortnight Lily, Yellow Wild Iris
Species:
Dietes bicolor
Hardiness
Zones: 9-11
Scarification/Stratification: Seed coats may be so hard that
they are impermeable to water. They need to be scratched or broken using a
knife or sandpaper, to germinate. Chip the seeds with a sharp knife or make a
few swipes with a sharp-edged file or use sandpaper to allow moisture being
more readily absorbed.
Germination:
First, you can scarify the seeds to try to speed up
germination. For faster germination, soak the seeds in slightly hot water for
24-48 hours, followed by 3 months cold stratification before sowing, 1/4 inch
deep, in your soil. Keep damp soil, not soaking wet. Keep pot in warm situation
20°C/68°F. Germination usually takes several months. It can be more, depending
on their degree of unbroken dormancy, don’t give up.
Description:
Dietes bicolor, also named Fortnight Lily, Yellow Wild Iris,
and the African iris, is found naturally in the Bathurst region of the Eastern
Cape in South Africa. This Iris is fast growing which makes it ideal for use in
areas that need to be established rapidly. The adult plant is approximately 1
meter wide and 1 meter tall. The flowers are about 2 inches in diameter, flat,
light yellow with brown markings. Flowers appear on branched stalks. Each
flower stalk carries a large supply of buds. The flowers only last for one day,
but because so many buds are produced the plant is almost always in flower. In
frost-free areas, plants bloom from Spring to Fall and intermittently
throughout Winter. Remove seed pods as they begin to form to encourage
additional bloom. Cut each flower stem to the ground after flowering is
completed. Dietes bicolor forms clumps of erect sword-shaped evergreen leaves.
The leaves are 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 cm wide, light green in color and have a
double central vein. They are arranged in flat fans like other members of the Iris
family. The plant spreads by means of its modified stems, rhizomes, which are
located below the soil surface. The fruit is a club-shaped capsule
approximately 25 mm in diameter which partially splits to release the seeds.
Hardiness zones 9-11, (-5°C/25°F, 4°C/40°F) in Winter. Rhizomes may be dug up
before first Fall frost for overwinter storage in peat moss or vermiculite at
45°F or the container may be overwintered indoors. Although it occurs naturally
near streams and in marshy places, it is also drought resistant and frost
hardy. The plant can grow easily in very poor soil with little water, but
prefer a moist and moderately fertile, well-drained soils. Best flowering
occurs in full sun, but plants may appreciate some part light afternoon shade.
Store Policies
All seeds will come in a resalable
plastic zip lock bag wrapped in a protectant so the seeds are not damaged by
shipping machines. All seed packets contain no fillers or other weeds or seeds
mixed in. Most have been harvested by hand & all test at a high germination
rate.
Seed Count
All seed counts should be considered estimates as the seeds is
packaged by hand, there is 2-3 more or less in a bag. We do our best to
ensure accuracy and will often add extra seeds. However, all estimates are
final.
Shipping
Seeds will ship without tracking numbers. Items
will be shipped 1-3 business days of receiving payment. Plants will be shipped
via USPS. Shipping usually takes anywhere from 3-5 days.
Feedback
If you do not satisfy with the purchase, please do not leave
negative/neutral feedback. Contact us for solution, We’ll try our best to
fix the problem as soon as possible.
Important! Please Read!
All seeds have been test sown to ensure germination.
Please familiarize yourself with growing conditions and instructions for your
seeds before you plant them, as all seeds are different. Basic growing
instructions can be found under each listing.
We Cannot Guarantee how much you will be able
to grow, as too many variables come into play, soil condition, your ability to
garden, weather etc. I guarantee that they arrive as described and are in good
viable condition and the germination rates are accurate.
Ryker (verified owner) –
They arrived very fresh and not bruised. They were delicious.
Michael (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.
Phoenix (verified owner) –
The product is firmly packed.
Zohar (verified owner) –
The product is firmly packed.
Ryder (verified owner) –
I would absolutely recommend this seed to anyone looking to grow veggies this year. I decided to do starts this year and just three days after planting