Blackberry Lily Seeds (Iris domestica)

Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.
Thomas Jefferson planted 'Chinese Ixia' in an oval flower bed at Monticello in 1807. This hardy and robust perennial, now known as Blackberry Lily, is naturalized at Monticello, perhaps from an earlier Jefferson planting. A member of the Iris tribe, Blackberry Lily bears showy orange flowers (spotted with red) in mid-summer. Ornamental, blackberry-like seeds, which appear in fall, are not edible. Jefferson-documented: This plant was documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, or other writings.

Sow seeds indoors in mid to late winter at 70 degrees F, allowing 1-3 months for growth to emerge. Transplant to 3” pots once they have several true leaves, then harden off and plant outdoors after last frost. Approximately 10-15 seeds per packet.