The better to feed irises, the rules and timing of fertilization
Irises are flowers that are found everywhere. Thanks to this feature, it seems that the composition of the soil is not important to them for growth. "Iris" and "cockerels", as they are often called by the people, need additional feeding. Every iris grower should know how to fertilize them, how to do it and when is the best time to carry out the procedure.
Soil requirements
A young plant planted in one place can "live" up to 5 years. After that, the irises gradually wither. Lack of fertilizer affects their appearance and growth.
Iris prefers non-acidic and loose soils. It can be loam, sand or sandy loam. The culture pleases with abundant flowering on any soil, if nutrients are regularly introduced into it. Peat or sand is added to the clay soil, and the acidic soil is saturated with wood ash, chalk or lime.
Fertilizers for irises
Inexperienced gardeners do not deal with this issue, since they believe that all substances must be bought in specialized stores, but this is not the case. You can find quality fertilizer ingredients on your own plot. They are also made at home.
Wood ash
It is an organic substance that supports the normal development of the root system. It contains phosphorus, potassium, as well as a whole range of micronutrients. Wood ash acts as food for microorganisms that improve soil characteristics.
Compost
The fertilizer has a loose consistency, which improves the air permeability of the soil. Compost is a complex of nutrients. It also contains humus.
As fertilizer for irises, compost is used two or three years ago.
Humus
After adding humus, there is no need to fertilize irises for 2-3 years. In order for the substance to give a positive effect, it is recommended to take a rotted mass that has lain for at least 1.5 years. Before making humus it is diluted with water. The plant is watered with liquid immediately without insisting. When feeding, it is important not to oversaturate the soil, so all the liquid should be absorbed.
Mineral fertilizers
Both single-component and complex fertilizers are suitable. The former can be based on phosphorus or potassium. Mineral mixes are also well absorbed by irises.
Terms of feeding irises
Fertilization is carried out at a certain time of the year and depends on the stage of development at which the plant is located.There is a time when irises quickly absorb mineral fertilizers. There is also a certain period when organic matter can be added.
How to feed irises in early spring
Fertilization at this time of year is an important step in flower care. Early spring feeding contributes to the rapid growth of the vegetative part of the culture. At this time, the soil is saturated with potassium and nitrogen. In spring, irises are fed with mineral fertilizers. Potassium salt and ammonium nitrate will saturate the plant with everything necessary for the normal development of the aboveground and underground parts.
How to fertilize irises before flowering
During the growing season, the plant has 2 growth waves. As a result, he will need re-saturation with nutrients. If you correctly calculate the moment of feeding, the gardener will be able to achieve the maximum effect.
In the budding phase and the beginning of flowering, the first growth wave is noted. As a rule, the beginning falls on the end of May and lasts until mid-June. Top dressing with nitrogen-potassium mixtures, carried out at the time of growth, affects the quantity and quality of buds. There are many more of them, and they also increase in size.
Top dressing during flowering
If the irises are in a state of active flowering, fertilization stops. Flowers need minimal maintenance, which is regular watering. After the top layer has dried, the soil is moistened, and then loosened.
In regions with an arid climate, the number of irrigations does not exceed twice - in the morning and in the evening. To keep the appearance attractive, withered flowers and dry leaves are removed. The latter procedure is no less useful than the others.
Features of feeding after flowering
If a plant does not form flowers, this does not mean that it does not need feeding. It is useful to fertilize irises also in autumn. Main nuances:
- Top dressing in autumn is a way to replenish the supply of nutrients that were expended at the time of plant growth and development. This will protect the crop and serve as a good foundation for budding the next season.
- Fertilization is started a month after the end of flowering.
- As a fertilizer, mixtures based on phosphorus and potassium are used.
The feeding procedure is carried out in the fall before the onset of cold weather. Dry weather is considered the most favorable. Top dressing is done in the morning or evening, regardless of watering.
After dressing, additional care is carried out in the form of shallow loosening of the soil. This contributes to the rapid penetration of substances into the depths of the earth.
Rules for feeding
Every person should know them so that feeding is successful and gives the desired result:
- The application technique varies depending on the type of fertilizer.
- Use dry and liquid dressings.
- When laying dry fertilizers, great attention is paid to the root system of flowers. Bearded varieties are characterized by a close arrangement of roots on the soil surface. If you touch them, the plant may not survive the winter.
- Also, dry substances are poured with water, after which the liquid is used to water the plants.
The growth and development of irises depends on the quality of implementation of the given rules.
Common gardeners mistakes
Florists ruin the planting of irises and do not even think about the reason. Less experienced people use fresh compost and manure as fertilizer. The latter contains a lot of free ammonia. It promotes the growth of irises before winter frosts. As a result, young shoots die from the cold.
