CULT: When Do You Fertilize

In a message dated 11/8/2005 9:58:58 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
cholte@wi.rr.com writes:

>>When do you Fertilize your Iris or do  you?<<<
 
Just thought I'd place another subject tag on this one so folks  won't 
overlook it.  Remember, the subject of the list is *Irises*,  so nothing having to 
do with *Irises* or their culture and  appreciation is really off topic.
 

Now, to answer: 
 
I grow mostly historic varieties, I do not encourage rebloom,  and I do not 
grow for show. The bed in which I grow most of them is raised,  and has *soil* 
which is highly organic and really too loose. 
 
I give my bearded Irises alfalfa bits and organic Espoma  Plant-tone twice a 
year in the fall and in the early spring. I give them  a little superphospate 
in the winter and let the snow or sleet carry it  in. I incorporate the same 
three ingredients into the bed with a bit of  Ironite and a mere whisper of 
5-10-5 when I remake it. When they are reset I  water them in with a root 
stimulator solution although I am unconvinced this  does anything. I used to 
incorporate Osmocote into the bed when I redid it but  I did not see benefit 
commensurate with the expense. 
 
Otherwise, I occasionally use a hose end spray of soluble fertilizer  when 
the buds are becoming apparent in the fans, if it has been a  hard or late 
spring. I have also been known to do the same if for some  reason foliage is 
looking just a tiny bit too yellow for tad bit too  long than I think good.
 
Although it may not sound like it, I tend to grow them lean.
 
Cordially,
 
Anner Whitehead
Richmond VA USA USDA Zone 7 Urban

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