Mapleton, Iowa 1 
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Iris Culture 
Iris is so easy to grow that it seems unnecessary to say much about its cul 
tural requirements. We know that it needs plenty of sunshine in a well drained 
location and a reasonable amount of cultivation. Given these three things, iris will 
bloom and increase and please the average gardener. No flower demands ag little 
for what it gives. It is most generous and obliging, good natured. And like most 
good natured people, it responds freely and graciously to kindness. It goes out of 
its way to show its appreciation. So we have made a study of all the little things that 
bring out the best in iris. We :would like to pass on a few of the tricks we have learned. 
First, we should have good plants. We have a right to expect strong, healthy 
roots from our dealers. All varieties do not make large rhizomes but even the small 
ones should be clean and strong and should show promise cf increase. Tihey should 
be reasonably fresh. Just because iris plants will stand being out of the ground 
for some time is no reason why they should be subjected to such punishment. Badly 
dried roots will usually recover but it is at the expense of good growth. Name tags 
should not pierce the center of the fan as this often causes rot. All tags should be 
removed when the plants are set and permanent labels made for them. 
Second, the soil should be carefully prepared. If it is heavy it will be improved 
by spading in sharp sand or fine gravel. If it is ‘worn out it needs the addition of 
some fertilizer—bone meal—a balanced fertilizer or rich compost. Our soil responds 
well to the addition of sand and humus made from composting leaves for about two 
years. It is much better to incorporate these into the soil before planting than to 
work them in later. The addition of these materials often solves the problem of 
drainage as well, as it builds the beds up from the surrounding area enough to 
prevent water from standing on the plants. The sand keeps the soil from »deing 
soggy and makes it easier to cultivate. 
Third, the setting of the plants is very important. Care should be taken to place 
them and their roots in as natural a position as pcssible. We divide the roots from 
the bottom of the rhizome and spread them out toward both sides and press the rhizome 
firmly into the soil with the feeding roots fanned out on either side. Then with a 
good strong trowel we lift the soil from beneath the feeding roots and firm it down 
well on top of them, still keeping them well spread. We pull an inch or so of soil 
over the rhizome itself and press all very, very firmly. Plants set in this way remain 
solid and are ready to start growing at once. If the soil is very dry it should be thor- 
ouchly watered a few days before planting so that it is in just the right condition to 
firm well. The time of planting should be taken into careful consideration. We think 
plants should not be moved until at least a month after blooming season. In this climate 
this is about the time the side buds start and with them the new feeding roots so 
that it is an ideal time to get them established before the heat of summer. During 
extreme ‘heat we neither ship plants nor transplant them here as there is danger of 
loss from heat rot. If plarts must be set during hot weather, we shade them with 
strips of burlap ‘held up by sticks. Later in August or early September we usually 
have a few weeks of cooler weather and we do the rest of our shipping and planting. 
All plants should be set early enough in the fall to allow some growth before freezing 
weather in order that they may become established. 
Fourth, irises respond favorably to good cultivation. Early spring growth is 
stimulated by a thorough loosen:-ngz of tie soil long before any weeds start. If the 
soil is mellow they do not require deep cultivation, in fact the feeding roots are ofteu 
so near the surface that care must be taken not to disturb them. It is especially 
important not to dig tco near to newly set plants. But during the entire growiig 
season l-ght cultivation should be given cften enough to prevent any growth of weeds. 
The plants should be far enough apart to make this cultivation easy. 
Fifth, the planting should be kept clean to prevent disease. We still get many 
questions about iris diseases—borers, rot and leaf spot. Our answer to all of these 
is: keep your plants clean. Destroying ali brown foliage in early spring usually dis- 
poses of any threat of borers as it kills the eggs. Soft rot is sometimes a real menace 
in warm, wet weather, but even this may be largely prevented by keeping a careful 
watch for the side leaves that droop and destroying them before they become infected. 
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