the rhizomes just after planting. Use at least a good wheelbarrow 
load per 6 to 8 square feet. 
Supplemental plant food in the form of commercial fertilizer 
should be applied in several applications both in early fall when 
roots start developing and very early spring, about two months 
before blooming. A nitrogen fertilizer, such as nitrate of soda, sul- 
fate of ammonia, or ammonium nitrate is recommended for very 
early fall at the rate of one pound per 100 square feet. This should 
be thinly spread between the plants. 
A complete fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash) ap- 
plied two months before blooming season (January and February) 
will increase your chances for quantity and quality of blooms. Any 
complete garden fertilizer available in your local stores should do. 
However, an 8-8-8, 6-12-6 or 5-10-5 is recommended. Apply this 
mixture around the plants at the rate of two to three pounds per 
100 square feet. 
IRRIGATION 
Water is essential for natural distribution of Louisiana Irises, 
for the establishment of young plants, and for a good bloom season. 
Moisture is most needed during early fall when plants are get- 
ting established and in early spring for about two months prior 
to blooming. This usually coincides with rainy seasons in Louisi- 
ana. 
During these periods, if weather is too dry, it may be necessary 
to irrigate thoroughly. One thorough soaking of the Iris beds is 
better than an occasional light sprinkling. Soils high in organic 
matter store more moisture for dry seasons. This is why Irises 
do so well in a fertile soil where a lot of humus and liberal mulch 
has been added. 
Planting the Irises in depressed beds will facilitate irrigation. 
This is even more important in the drier hill sections of Louisiana. 
Bog culture, when landscape plan permits, will help solve this 
problem. 
DISEASES AND INSECT PESTS 
Louisiana Irises have few enemies. Some of them are: 
1. Sceleratium Rot or Mustard Seed Fungus. It occurs in the 
soil and may attack susceptible Iris plants at the ground under 
warm and wet soil conditions. A fungicide such as Semesan or 
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