iris!

[zainab]

!i have 5 iris bulbs, i just wat to plant then and want to know whether it is rright time to plant and i hope its not too late!

plz tell me

[Syed Adnan]

IRIS is a spring flowering bulbs (as compared to summer flowering bulbs like Glad, Freesias) , all spring flowering bulbs like to be kept cold , they will respond when the temp reached 12 to 13C as minimum, if you plant them before chances of rotting and less flowering or no flowering can result. Normally i keep my spring flowering bulbs ( IRIS, Muscari, Daffodils, Hycinths) in fridge for a month or 2 before planting, wet the soil thoroughly before planting , after planting them if it is pot, keep them in a shaddy area and DO NOT WATER until 10 to 12 days, after they sprout give them liq fertilizer and move to full sun.

[zainab]

is it the right time to plant iris then?

[Syed Adnan]

For IRIS yes it can be but I believe the right time is Dec specially for Hycinths and tulips. the concept is these bulbs being native to cold areas should feel colder climate , thats why first refregerators and then cold temp of Dec/Jan gives them a good feeling of Winter and then as temp rises in feb to march they are ready to bloom.

Goodluck.

[zainab]

@ syed adnan

thanks v much