Ric Silver, from Groton, CT, grows beautiful Jackson & Perkins Iris. We asked him to share some tips on growing beautiful iris. . .
I guess the main thing is to soak the corms in water for about 1/2 an hour before planting – then place them just slightly under the soil – the tuber should protrude from the soil at the plant end – and can even be slightly exposed the full length of the tuber.
Full sun is a must as they will die in the shade – I do have some that are in a spot that is shaded in the afternoon and they bloom later than the others and also the blooms are smaller – they like good brown dirt – but will grow in rocky soil as well – just so it’s not gravel or sand. I fertilize once a year with MiracleGro Shake and Feed. If your Iris have stopped blooming – it’s probably because they are crowding themselves out – every few years you need to tear up the whole lot – and start over – making sure to separate them well. clip the leaves in an inverted “V” about 2 inches above the corm. Using a 3 prong spade, lift from below and break into sections – even the corms with no greenery will come back if not rotted. I usually do this every 4 to 5 years . Till the soil to clean out the weeds and broken roots and space the corms about 8 to 10 inches or more apart. ~ Ric Silver
Many thanks Ric!
Posted by Ann Samul
