Re: TB: CULT: Cutting Spent Stalks

In a message dated 5/2/05 9:50:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
koekkoek@mtcnet.net writes:

<<I've read repeatedly on this list that it is better to snap than to cut the
 spent stalks.  While I won't quarrel with those who say that, I want to say
 that I have always cut, never snapped, those stalks, and I have never had a
 case of rot develop from the thousands of cuts.  I find cutting much faster,
 and, besides, the stalks don't always want to snap.  Too frustrating.>>

As I recall, the idea of snapping being better was first put forth here by 
Bill Shear. 

I've very loose soil so snapping has never been a viable option for me. The 
most important thing, I personally believe, is to remove stalks cleanly, and 
not damage the rhizome. I personally use a single edge razor blade, but that is 
probably not a viable tool for someone dealing with a lot of irises. Leaving 
stalks to wither is simply not a viable option here, either from the standpoint 
of garden hygiene, or aesthetics.  

In bloom here today, white tectorum and white cristata. Buds up on this and 
that in the bearded bed. The pansies planted along the edge have been a lot of 
fun.

Anner Whitehead 
Richmond VA USA USDA Zone 7: Urban

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