Re: Breeding Question
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Breeding Question
- From: R* T* D* <r*@sierratel.com>
- Date: Sun, 27 Jul 1997 00:10:20 -0600 (MDT)
Ross Bishop wrote:
>
> Today when I dug the bed I got quite a surprise. As I said, the foilage
> has been great. But the rhizomes on the old ones we had moved the fall
> before were something else! I have the Arnold Schwartzeneger (or,
> however you spell it) of Rhizomes! The rhizomes of the hybrids we had
> purchased don't even compare. The strain is obviously robust, and well
> suited to these growing conditions.
>
Ross,
Before you start your breeding program, there are a few things you
should know. First, size of rhizomes does not necessarly equate to
vigor. There are some varieties which naturally have small rhizomes and
grow vigorously and the opposite is true of large ones. Second, and
this may be the key to the old ones having large rhizomes, is the soil.
If you moved the old ones to virgin soil or soil where iris have not
grown for a number of years then they could grow vigorously and have
large rhizomes.
I'm not trying to discourage your idea, for it is a good one, but
consider the above. There are many modern iris that are vigorous and
have good color that you can use. I want to suggest some to you but it
is getting late and requires some thought. Maybe other members on the
list can suggest some.
Rick Tasco
Superstition Iris Gardens
Central California
Zone 8
