Re: Why don't they bloom!
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Why don't they bloom!
- From: M* T* <t*@flash.net>
- Date: Sun, 18 May 1997 22:41:03 -0600 (MDT)
Rick Tasco/Roger Duncan wrote:
>
> Rusty Thornsburg wrote:
> >
> I planted 12 rhizomes in an approximately 3x4
> > garden. I don't expect them to bloom the first year, but the second
> > year (this year) they have healthy leaves and everything. What's going
> > on?
>
> RUSTY,
>
> First of all you should expect your iris to bloom for you the first
> year. If they are quality rhizomes you should expect this. Besides all
> the obvious culture rhetoric such as full sun, good drainage, fertilizer
> and water..."Soil" is everthing. You did not mention how you prepared
> your bed and how fertile it is. Iris will respond better if the soil is
> amended with compost or humus. Incorporate this, about half an half to
> your bed. You did not mention what part of the country you live(you
> should do this with each message especially with messages about
> culture). Anyway if you live in a colder part of the country
> plant/transplant early to establish your iris which will give them a
> better chance to bloom the next year.
>
> Remember, your iris will be living in that bed for a number of years so
> give them the best possible home you can.
>
> Rick Tasco
> Superstition Iris Gardens
> Central California
> Zone 8
In the first two beds (2 years ago) I composted about 2 wheelbarrows
full in each before I planted them. These beds were prepared the same
way all the other beds in our front yard were prepared (and they are all
yielding healthy iris!) Last year, we tore down our gazebo, ripped out
the spa, and filled it with probably a ton (truly!) of compost and 5/600
pounds of humus/topsoil. So far, in this bed THORNBIRD, MEGABUCKS, and
SWINGTOWN have bloomed. From my first garden, the plants that have
bloomed this year are: Stop the Music (which did not bloom last year)
Centre Court (which may or may not have) Titan's Glory (which didn't),
Sky Hooks, and Degas Dancer. Catalyst bloomed last year, but not this
year. Chanteuse tried to bloom last year, as well. You can see that
this is upsetting as I do not have money to throw away on pretty
rhizomes that put up foliage but little else!
Fuming...Rusty
Sunset Zone 33
FW Texas
