Difference: InfoCultivationBeardedIrises (r2 vs. r1)

Fertilizer should be applied as a side dressing about 6 weeks before bloom time (a major growth time) and again in October. Commercial fertilizers supply nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash. 5-10-10, for example is 5% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potash. Irises need all of these nutrients. Organic compost and aged manures supply very little nutrition (usually about 0.8-0.3-0.6) but are excellent soil conditioners. Carefully work the fertilizer into the soil, remembering that irises have shallow feeder roots that should not be disturbed, Be certain that the fertilizers do not rest on the rhizome as this will lead to rot. Alfalfa pellets or meal, well rotted compost or manure can be worked in as a side dressing, in early fall. Always water well, after fertilizing or side dressing, as iris plants cannot use nutrients in solid form.

Fertilizer should be applied as a side dressing about 6 weeks before bloom time (a major growth time) and again in October. Commercial fertilizers supply nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash. 5-10-10, for example is 5% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potash. Irises need all of these nutrients. Organic compost and aged manures supply very little nutrition (usually about 0.8-0.3-0.6) but are excellent soil conditioners. Carefully work the fertilizer into the soil, remembering that irises have shallow feeder roots that should not be disturbed, Be certain that the fertilizers do not rest on the rhizome as this will leas to rot. Alfalfa pellets or meal, well rotted compost or manure can be worked in as a side dressing, in early fall. Always water well, after fertilizing or side dressing, as iris plants cannot use nutrients in solid form.

Bearded irises multiply by vegetative increase with new plants growing from the 'mother' rhizome. There will usually be 3 or more increases each year from each mother rhizome. About every 3 to 4 years, it is necessary to dig and replant the clumps. About 4 to 6 weeks after bloom season (late June to late July) dig the clumps and divide by cutting the new growth from the mother rhizome. Each increase will look like the original plant that you planted. Discard the old mother rhizome. Cut the foliage back into an inverted vee about 4 to 5 inches above the rhizome. These rhizomes are now ready for replanting. Be certain that you dig only one clump at a time so that you can keep the variety name correct. Many gardeners are disappointed to discover that they have purchased an incorrectly labeled variety at a sale or auction. Maintain an up-to-date garden plat for each of your iris plantings and check the garden labels against the plat.

Bearded irises multiply by vegetative increase with new plants growing from the ‘mother' rhizome. There will usually be 3 or more increases each year from each mother rhizome. About every 3 to 4 years, it is necessary to dig and replant the clumps. About 4 to 6 weeks after bloom season (late June to late July) dig the clumps and divide by cutting the new growth from the mother rhizome. Each increase will look like the original plant that you planted. Discard the old mother rhizome. Cut the foliage back into an inverted vee about 4 to 5 inches above the rhizome. These rhizomes are now ready for replanting. Be certain that you dig only one clump at a time so that you can keep the variety name correct. Many gardeners are disappointed to discover that they have purchased an incorrectly labeled variety at a sale or auction. Maintain an up-to-date garden plat for each of your iris plantings and check the garden labels against the plat.