Probably.

Probably? Which part? The viability or the weather as cause?

Molly D

Probably caused by the weather. It is very likely the seeds are viable.

Thanks gmason. I've got them planted and am now waiting to see what happens with them.

btw have you (or anyone else)heard of a method called winter sowing being used for Iris? You pot seeds up with covers but leave them out of doors over the winter.
I heard about this yesterday and thought I'd give it a try with my excess unknown Siberians.

Molly D

I've heard of Winter Sowing if I understand you correctly. (Just put your seeds in pots and leave them out all winter)
I am not sure what you mean by "with covers". Our winters are quite mild here and some hybridizers just sow their seed (in pots of course) and let the winter rains take care of the rest. If you are in zone 4 I wouldn't do it tho. I might for the sake of an experiment plant some in October and then cover them with about 18 inches of straw. I would uncover them in the spring after the hard frosts are done.

It was suggested for my zone. I raised an eyebrow because it seemed very risky. You put the plants in containers with lids. Holes for drainage and ventilation (top and bottom). Close the lids and leave out over winter. Seeds take their chances. Some swear by this method. Sounded chancy to me but thought I'd ask if anyone had tried it and what their experiences had been with it.

Molly D

If people in your area are doing it you might ask them for the particulars. Weather zones are much more than just hot and cold. Perhaps they get enough snow cover to insulate seedlings.

No idea gmason. It was suggested on the internet by some people who chat with me about plants. I had never heard of it so I thought I'd ask around to see if anyone else had or had tried it and what results they'd had.
We normally get a lot of snow cover but last year we alternated between getting the snow and having it melt as temps would rise only to be covered again by the next snowfall. It was a roller coaster year.

Molly D