I use a fairly standard method to stratify iris seeds. Basically, after harvesting the seed pods, I dry them for a few days and then put them in coin envelopes for safe keeping. Some time in early October, I take the seeds out of the envelopes and dump them on a paper towel (just your standard 12in x 6in sheet) and fold it up so that it's 2 - 3 inches square and there is at least 3 layers of paper on the top and bottom sides of the seeds. Then I run a little water over the paper to get it damp, put it in a small ziplock bag, and toss the ziplock bags in the salad crisper in the refrigerator (I also stuff the small ziplock bags in gallon sized bags to keep them together, my wife isn't thrilled with iris seeds being in the refrigerator, but she tolerates them as long as they are contained). About mid-January, I take them out, plant them in the pots, move the pots to the basement, and wait to see what happens.
Paul described a very similar approach in much greater detail either here, or in the Cubits iris forums.
This year, I had a little bit of a scare. Right before Thanksgiving, I happened to look at the bags and could see spots of bread mold the paper towels. I took the seeds out, rinsed them all off, replaced the paper towels, and put them back in the crisper. (good thing Becky didn't see that!). I was worried the mold might have damaged the seeds, but they seem to be germinating at about the usual rate.
I wish we could just plant the seeds outside in the fall like they do out west, but it just isn't practical here. Due to our long winters, long summers, and short springs, planting them outside pretty much guarantees an extra year of waiting for the maiden bloom.
