Re: SHOW:Forcing Irises

For all three shows I entered this year, Phoenix, Tucson, and the exhibition in Prescott, I had to force some bloomstalks.   

If the terminal bud is showing color (about half) you might want to try this method overnight.

 I had to bring in the bloom stalks from outside, recut them at an angle under purified water with a sharp knife, and then place them in a tall bucket of TEPID purified water.  I stuck the stalk all the way into the water until the water level was just below the lowest branch.  The deeper the water level, the more water gets forced up the stalk, I understand.  However, I have also been told you do not want any iris foliage below water level - I did it anyway and later made sure I got all the water out of it.  Then I took the bucket and put it in the bathtub and placed a grow light a couple feet above it (but any bright light or shop light will do).  Then I ran very warm water in the bathtub until it was a couple inches deep. This provided some steam.  

It is IMPORTANT that the stalk is kept straight up and down while in a bucket, so you will want to brace it.  If it is leaning, it will reach for the light directly above it and cause a curve in the stalk that could disqualify it as a Queen Of Show.

This forced the bloom to open overnight.   

However, running warm water in the bathtub is not really necessary if you have a couple days before a show.  I believe just a light directly above it and warm water in a vase or bucket will do if it will be in the house a couple days.   

Forcing a bloom in the garden is a little trickier.  You have to start two months ahead of time and get the soil temperature warmer than it is normally to get a later blooming iris to bloom sooner.  One method is to place fist sized rocks half way into the soil around the rhizome.  The rocks absorb the heat and distribute it to the surrounding soil.  The other method I have heard about is using plastic on the soil level (clear works best) around the rhizome.  This creates a greenhouse effect and warms the soil.  I would NOT suggest this method since moisture and greenhouse effect on the rhizome could cause it to rot.  One other method is to put bricks all around the rhizome.  This has the same effect as the rocks, but more heat since the bricks are larger. (Good to do with late blooming blacks).





----- Original Message -----
From: wmoores
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2001 4:52 AM
To: iris-talk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [iris-talk] SHOW:Forcing Irises


I received a private message from a lady in a colder climate who
fears she will have nothing to show on Saturday at her show because
of the cold weather they have been having.

She wants to know how to force.  I know how to hold back but am not
really good on forcing.  Can somebody help her out?  She is on the
list and will see your response here.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Walter Moores
Enid Lake, MS USA 7/8



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