Re: fertilizer when and how much
Bruce Richardson wrote:
>
> At 11:50 AM 17/09/96 -0600, you wrote:
> >When I was telling Dorothy about the rebloomers i should have
> >mentioned that the instructions which came with the irises said
> >they should have fertilizer 3 times a year. I didn't put any on
> >them this year at all. Do irises tolerate fertilizer in the fall?
> >Should i put some on?
> >
> >--
> >Diana Louis <dlouis@dynamicro.on.ca>
> >Zone 4/5 Ontario Canada
> >
> >Diana
>
> For strong plants (and best bloom) on any iris it is a good idea to use
> a low nitrogen fertilizer such as 2-20-10 to encourge root development. This
> is even more important for rebloomers as they have such a short time to make
> new rhizomes in the fall. Might be better to use 4-20-10. If I have used or
> applied fertilizer in the fall (and I always did when replanting TBs) then I
> only used ammonium nitrate in the spring just as the ground was beginning to
> get almost dry enough to eork and preferably when some rain is expected soon
> or in a couple of days to disolve it and carry it into the soil. Bruce Richardson (near Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
I just wanted to add to this thread . I use 6-24-24 fertilizer 3 times
a year on my established plantings of iris. Ususally the first
application is after the winter dormancy when the leaves are about 4-6"
high, second application just after bloom (around the first of June or
so), then the 3rd application is generally about early August. I don't
apply heavily and have not to date had a problem with getting lush
growth that is receptive to rot. The rebloomers LOVE getting fertilized
3 times a year...they actually need it since they have to grow and
develop at a much more advanced rate than the oncers. I also like to
topdress my iris with alfalfa meal which I work in with a funny-looking
rake/cultivator. I have tried pellets as a top-dressing but have
encountered rodent and rot problems...much prefer using meal. Anyone
else use this method or one similiar to it?
Julie Irwin
bajai@mtco.com
USDA zone 5 Illinois
