Irises are among the most beautiful and easy-to-grow flowers in the garden. Whether you're growing Dutch irises from bulbs or bearded irises from rhizomes, they need the right amount of fertilizer to thrive. In this article, we'll discuss what type of fertilizer to use on your planted iris bulbs in Minnesota and how to apply it for optimal growth. Most irises grow best in full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day.
However, in very hot areas, a little shade in the afternoon will help keep flower colors from fading in the heat. The iris should be planted in an area with good air circulation to help prevent disease problems. They also tolerate most common garden soils and are among the easiest lilies to grow in most regions. When it comes to fertilizing your iris bulbs, you'll want to use a mix that contains phosphorus and potassium as these are the key nutrients for root and flower production.
A good mix to use is one with a 6-10-10 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium respectively. You can also add a low-nitrogen fertilizer such as 6-10-10 per 50 ft2 (or 1 ½ ounce by 10 feet) to your garden bed if you're preparing a large area for planting lilies. When applying fertilizer, it's best to do so after dividing and planting your iris bulbs in the fall. This will delay release during winter and early spring.
You can also give your irises another dose of fertilizer in half after planting them. It's important to note that fertilization can only help your irises grow, but it's not necessary for them to thrive. BlomsBulbs sells a mix of what they call English iris bulbs (iris latifolia) that includes purple, white, blue and mottled irises. An advantage over the bearded iris is that the English iris blooms later in the year and blooms in June and July.The Siberian iris is still one of the easiest iris plants to grow; some flowerbeds continue to bloom for decades without any division or insecticide, forming a large stripe of blue, lavender, white or one of the new multicolored colors.
If your garden is in partial shade and you're downwind from your yard, consider planting stinky lilies, which tolerate some shade, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden.Now that you have all the information about fertilizing your planted iris bulbs in Minnesota, you can take the necessary steps to ensure they get the nutrition they need for optimal growth. With proper care and fertilization, you can enjoy a garden full of beautiful lilies for years to come.