"OT-BIO: ", Richard Johnson

Hi Everyone:

I've just subscribed.  By way of introduction I am a native born
American living in Tahiti (naturalized French citizen as well).
Our climate is tropical with a temperature range of 65 to 95 F
and humidly ranging from 40 % upward - 80 % being a warn season
average.

I've grown orchids and tropical hibiscus for decades and am a
successful hybridizer of the latter - web site listed below.
I've recently developed an interest in growing other exotic
looking flowers like iris.

Firstly a tiny bit of background of attempts to grow tall bearded
iris in Tahiti.  15 years ago, I did so and planted them in the
ground, having mixed 50% coarse sand into our clay based acid
soil.  Tubers bloomed the first year and some bloomed the second,
but eventually due to neglect by renters of that property at
that time, all perished.  I believe by using a very well drained
media and growing in pots, I can prevent the tuber rot that will
otherwise likely be fatal during our periods of heavy rain.

Below is some of the info I've obtained and/or questions that I
would greatly appreciate your comments on.

1)  knowing iris generally require a cold period to initiate
bloom, I'm prepared to place bare root mature tubers in the
refrigerator.  I've read that for tall bearded iris, this
requires
about one month at 40F but I presume they will withstand normal
refrigerator temperatures of about 35 F.

2)  I intent to grow these iris in full sun in 3 gallon pots,
which I've also read is an acceptable means of growing iris.  For
soil, I've read a mix of 45% fir bark, 20% pumice, and 35% peat
moss is recommended.  As fir bark is only occasionally
available, I'm wondering if fern or coconut fiber chunks might be
a good substitute.  As pumice in not available, I'm wonder if
charcoal might be an adequate supplement.  The peat moss is no
problem.  However, the above I would think would make for an acid
mix, while I've read that tall bearded iris prefer 6.8 to
slightly
alkaline conditions.  Your comments or suggestion are most
welcome, especially are regards alternate potting mixes.

3)  As I'm interested almost exclusively in reblooming iris, I'm
wondering if our warm humid climate will be more or less
conducive to reblooming.

I shall look forward to hearing from you any of you concerning
the above.

Happy Iris Growing To All

Dick Johnson,Tahiti
http://www.hibiscusoftahiti.com -  For Hibiscus Seed & Wood
Availability
Updated Dec. 28 with some 20 crosses and 200 seeds
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