Irises adorn any garden with their variety of colors. They are considered not the most demanding to care for, but you still need to know something about plants.
Do flowers need fertilization
Flowers acquire a strong immunity to diseases and begin to bloom more abundantly thanks to the applied fertilizers. And if a culture grows in the same territory for 3-4 years without fertilization, then its growth slows down, flowering is delayed, and the buds gradually die off.
Fertilizer addition stages are divided into three stages:
- Before flowering, as soon as the snow cover melts. The development of the plant is enhanced.
- During the budding period - activates flowering.
- At the end of flowering - it helps to form new buds and roots, which will perfectly reflect on the abundant flowering in the coming season.
What can be used when feeding
The optimal time for fertilization is considered to be spring and autumn, since it is during these periods that the most important life stages of the culture take place. Iris goes through several steps during the year, therefore it must be fertilized correctly every season.
In the spring
The flower does not need to be fed in the spring if the soil has been fertilized before planting. The soil requires a liquid composition based on phosphorus and potassium. Such a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer should be added at the root during active development.
Phosphorus is added to well-heated soil. Otherwise, it will not be able to assimilate, and the plant will be poisoned by it.
Granular salts will serve as a source of potassium. As phosphorus, you can use single and double superphosphates. The amount of fertilizer should be 15 g per iris, but in no case more than 75 g per 1 sq. m of soil.
In autumn
Fertilizer can be prepared by yourself. It must include potassium and phosphorus. To create an additive, you need to take wood ash and water.
Use powdered sulfur to prevent bacteria and pests. Just put 2-3 g of sulfur in the fertilizer.
You can make wood ash with your own hands or purchase it from the store. Dissolve 2 kg of fertilizer in water (20 l). Let the mixture sit for 3-4 hours. For 1 sq. m of soil, 0.5 liters of the prepared mixture should be used.
The main rules during feeding
The most basic requirement is not to overdo it with fertilizer. It is better to under-feed the plant, since the flower will die from oversaturation. You also need to be careful when using pure organic matter. Manure is considered a good fertilizer, provided that the compost is rotted. The soil must be loosened and moistened before adding additives.
Occurrence of some mistakes novice florists
The most common mistakes include:
- Late boarding. The crop should be planted before the cold sets in, as warm soil is needed for fertilization and the flower itself.
- Improper watering. Iris needs more watering during the budding period. The rest of the time, watering will be appropriate only if the soil around the roots is completely dry.
- The procedure is not always necessary. Top dressing is not necessary if fertilizers were added during planting. Also, no additives need to be added during the flowering period.
- Careless weeding of weeds. The roots of the flower are close to the surface, so there is no need to use a hoe. The grass must be pulled out by hand.
If you follow all the rules of care - water and fertilize correctly, you will get a flower bed that will delight everyone with abundant flowering in autumn and spring.
Read also: How to properly prune strawberries after harvest
Friends, do not forget to subscribe to the channel and LIKE if the article is useful!
#irises#planting irises and care#garden