Re: Questions from a beginner
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Questions from a beginner
- From: R* T* D* <r*@sierratel.com>
- Date: Mon, 12 May 1997 13:02:56 -0600 (MDT)
Jana M. Bone wrote:
>
> Hello everybody,
> I am a new subscriber to this list and just a beginner iris grower.
> I hope you can help with a couple questions, they may sound silly to
> those of you that have been around awhile....but here goes anyway.
> After the iris blooms and the petals fade, there is a "pod" left.
> Is this a seed pod? If so can it be planted to start a new iris?
> One type of iris that I have didn't bloom this year - the bloom
> appeared at the bottom of the fan - no stalk. Any ideas what can cause
> this? I do have these planted next to some shrubs that I have
> fertilized, could this be a factor in this strange growth?
> Thanks for help, I have been enjoying reading other posts.
> Jana Bone
> Austin, TX
> Zone 8
> Jana.Bone@tlc.state.tx.us
Jana,
Hello and welcome to the iris-l. Yes, what your seeing where the bloom
was, is a seed pod forming. Let it mature, approximately 60 days after
the flower fades. Pick it when it ripens, the pod will begin to turn
brown and crack at the top. Cut it from the stem and shell the seeds
out. Don't let them fall to the ground as years later seedlings will
develop and "your iris will change colors". Plant the seeds in the fall
in pots (easier to control) or directly in the ground.
Bloom at the bottom of the fan sometimes happens the first year after
transplanting. Continue good culture and your iris should do well next
year.
And Jana, thanks for giving your location and zone when signing your
message, so many new members fail to due this.
Rick Tasco
Superstition Iris Gardens
Central California
Zone 8
