The iris has long been one of the most popular flowering plants in Germany that can be cultivated outdoors all year round. Also known as the iris family, less is often more when it comes to fertilization.

Fertilize your iris as sparingly as possible

The correct location for the iris

In principle, the health and prosperity of the relatively easy-care iris depend primarily on the selection of a suitable location. You should inquire about the needs of the iris rhizomes you have purchased, as the different subspecies like it differently moist. The most important source of energy for the iris is the sun. This means that irises can form magnificent flowers even on poor soil and without fertilizer, as long as they get enough sunlight.

Be careful when fertilizing

If you want to fertilize your iris, you should do so sparingly. After all, the fine roots on the rhizomes of the iris are very sensitive to salt, which is why over-fertilization can all too easily lead to rotting of the roots. In this context, you should also make sure to loosen up too loamy soil with a little sand before planting the iris, so that there is no waterlogging in the root area. A mixture of complete mineral fertilizer for irises should be composed in the following ratio:

  • 1 part nitrogen
  • 2 parts phosphorus
  • 2 parts potassium

Growth and abundance of flowers of the iris and their factors

Only rarely is the lack of flowers during the flowering period in the iris due to a lack of nutrients. If the location is in full sun, a shallow loosening of the soil around the plants may help. In addition, certain types of irises must be dug up and divided if they multiply too much in the bed. The rhizomes should not be completely covered with soil when planted, but should protrude a little from the soil.

tips and tricks

After flowering, you can cut off wilted inflorescences about 10 centimeters above the rhizome if you do not want propagation by seed in the garden.

Category:

Vegetable garden