Question:
Will dividing clumps of Bearded Iris increase the flowering? Currently, they flower sparsely along the edge of the clumps, while the center has none. What do I need to do before replanting?Answer:
- It is beneficial to divide Bearded Iris periodically. However, you can increase the flower production by leaving the clumps alone.
- The decline in the production of flowers is a nutrient deficiency.
- The primary elements necessary for plant growth are Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (N-P-K). Nitrogen (N) keeps plants green, while Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) are for flower, fruit, and hardiness.
- Bearded Iris stops blooming when the soil is depleted of Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K).
- Unlike Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium remain fixed in place and have little movement through the soil.
- Bearded Irises are shallow-rooted and will deplete the surface nutrients over time. Hence, all the flowering occurs at the outer edges because the new roots are expanding into areas that haven’t been depleted.
- Fertilizing in the fall and winter months is critical for the spring blooms. This is when Bearded Iris flowers are forming for next year. Monthly applications of a granular 0-10-10 (N-P-K) such as EB Stone Ultra Bloom or similar fertilizer now through March is recommended to replace the depleted nutrients. Also, any liquid ‘bloom type’ fertilizers, such as Maxsea Bloom, are acceptable.
- Do not be concerned that the winter rains will leach the nutrients out of the root zone. Soil erosion is the only way the nutrients would be displaced.
- Bearded Iris is divided starting in the fall through March. After dividing the Bearded Iris, there isn’t anything special one needs to do to the Iris roots/tubers before planting.
- Although, I’d remove any brown leaves and trim the remaining ones back to eight inches. You would prepare the soil by adding organic matter like soil conditioner or homemade compost and sprinkle a starter fertilizer on the ground. The fertilizer is cultivated into the soil or covered with a layer of soil.
- The key to planting Bearded Iris is not to bury the tubers. The tubers must be visible, with half or more roots exposed above the soil line. It’s now a judgment call on your part whether to divide or not.
Question:
How would I save the seeds from my Sunflowers for planting next year? The plants produced beautiful blooms on short stalks. I want to cover a large area with them.Answer:
- Seed saving is a popular activity; however, it’s only recommended with open-pollinated varieties, not hybrids. Plant characteristics such as flower form, color, height, leaf color, etc., from saved seeds are always unknown. The DNA or the plant genetics will not be revealed until the seed germinates.
- Unfortunately for seed savers, most varieties are hybrid crosses. You can double-check this online. In the variety description, any reference to an F-1 would indicate that it was a hybrid. Hence, duplicating this year’s success will require purchasing a new seed, as the saved seed would be unpredictable.
- Hence, I’d skip saving the seed and avoid being disappointed.