Irises are beautiful flowers that can bring life and color to any garden. They are also relatively easy to grow, but they do require some basic care. One of the most important aspects of caring for irises is fertilizing them correctly. In this blog post, we will discuss how to fertilize irises and provide you with a guide on the best way to feed them. We will also give you tips on choosing the right NPK ratio for your plants!
What are irises and what does it need to grow best?
Irises are perennial flowers that come from the iris family. There are over 200 species of irises, but the most popular ones are bearded irises. The irises need well-drained soils and full sun to grow best. They are not particular about the pH of the soil but prefer soils that are on the acidic side. Feeding your iris with the right fertilizers can help it bloom better and keep its foliage healthy-looking. Irises also need regular fertilizing to grow big and healthy blooms.
What are the advantages of fertilizing irises?
Fertilizing irises can help them bloom more prolifically and also increase their resistance to diseases. Fertilizers also add nutrients to the soil, which helps keep plants healthy overall. Properly fertilized irises will be able to store more energy in their rhizomes, leading to a stronger root system and better blooms.
Which NPK ratio choose?
There are many NPK ratios available on the market, and it can be confusing to decide which one to choose. The most common ratios are 12-12-12, 20-20-20, and 30-30-30. However, there are also organic fertilizers that have a lower ratio such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract. You can also find specialty blends for flowering plants or vegetables. It is best to ask an expert at your local garden center which blend would be best for your irises.
When to fertilize iris?
There are different ways to fertilize irises, and the right way depends on the type of fertilizer you choose and when you apply it. In general, though, most gardeners will want to fertilize their irises in late winter or early spring. This is before they start blooming, but after the last frost has passed. At this time, you can either use a liquid fertilizer or feed your plants with a slow-release granular fertilizer.
If you live in a warm climate, you may also want to fertilize again in the summer. Be sure to avoid fertilizing during the hot summer months, as this can damage the plants.
How to fertilize irises?
If you’re using a liquid fertilizer, mix it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and then pour it around the base of each plant. Be sure not to get any of the liquid on the leaves, as it can cause them to burn. Granular fertilizers can be applied in the same way, but you’ll need to water them well afterward.