Re: Clarence Mahan's comment on Schreiner iris

Arnold Koekkoek wrote:
> 
> Clarence wrote that Schreiner's irises generally do alright in the
> east if you let them dry out a month before planting the huge
> rhizomes.  Clarence, can you explain why you let them dry out?  This
> seems contrary to what one would ordinarily want to do with any plant
> that is transplanted.  What does the drying out accomplish that makes
> for better survival, growth or whatever?
> 
> Arnold Koekkoek in NW Iowa

Arnold, What Clarence was referring to concerning Schreiner's and 
Cooley's irises is that because of the way they are grown, ie with lots 
of high nitrogen fertilizer and lots of water, the rhizomes become 
engourged with water and look like body builders on steriods.
What we have done here in the east, and only because of our growing 
conditions (high clay content, high temps with high humidity), is to hang 
the rhizomes upside down to dry at least 1 week before planting.  You 
would be surprised at the amount of water that drips out.  These rhizomes 
do better if they dry out first.  Less chance of rot and other problems. 
 On the other hand, if you dig in your own garden, and the rhizomes are 
big, but not huge, the best thing to do is plant them right away - they 
will never know they were dug.  If you do leave them out of the ground 
tho - they will start to grow fast enough.

hope that helps

Dennis
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