Re: Fertilizing Sibs
Linda,
Everyone has their own method of growing irises and whatever works for you
is usually the best. I will quote from the culture section that I wrote on
Siberians for the latest Basic Iris Culture booklet.
"Plants should be fertilized only slightly when planted, if at all. (The
later they are planted in the fall, the less fertilizer should be used.)
Siberian irises are heavy feeders. Alfalfa (pellets or meal) has proven an
effective soil amendment or top dressing. A liberal application of a
balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in spring and again just after bloom
is beneficial. Foliar feeding with chemical fertilizers like Miracid may
help weak plants to grow better."
I have already done my spring application of fertilizer on my siberian beds.
This year I used 5-10-10 instead of 10-10-10. I simply put it in a crank
spreader and broadcast it over the entire bed. If I had 17-17-17 which you
have on hand, I would simply use it a bit more sparingly.
Spring is certainly slow to arrive here this year but the Siberians finally
have green shoots about an inch high.
Carol Warner, Draycott Gardens
Maryland Zone 6/7
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