Arilbred Culture

In ground planting:

1. Best Option: Plant in soil that has NEVER had iris planted before. Depending on the fertility, amend accordingly. And just like other bearded iris they need good drainage. If the soil is too heavy add perlite, pea gravel or some other gritty substance. Probably no more than ten percent per planting area.

Option 2: Plant in soil where iris HAS grown before. Remove soil to a a depth of 8 inches deep and 8 inches wide. Place this soil next to the vacated hole/trough and smooth out. Purchase a good quality planting soil from a landscape materials company or bagged soil from a box store and refill the hole/trough. This may seem like a lot of work, and it is, but you will be well rewarded for your efforts. And if this is something you do not want to do see Option 3.

Option 3: Plant in soil where iris HAS grown before. Purchase a good quality garden soil from a landscape materials company or bagged soil from a box store and mix this liberally with your existing soil. Add perlite, pea gravel or some other gritty substance if you think the soil is too heavy. Probably no more than ten percent. With this method you run the risk of this soil retaining diseases, fungus and pests remaining in the soil. Also because iris have grown here before the fertility may have become depleted. Therefore you may want to add fertilizer during the mixing. A low nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-10 is suggested.

Potting Arilbreds:

Selection of pot size is dependant on how long you want to grow the arilbred in a pot. Arilbreds in a one gallon pot should grow good enough for 1 year, two gallon pot for 2 years, three gallon pot for 3 years and so forth. Use a good quality commercial potting mix, I recommend Miracle Gro. If you know of a brand that is equal or better than Miracle Gro then by all means use it.. Don’t get another brand because it is cheaper. The cheapness will be reflected in the growth and bloom of the arilbreds. The addition of perlite, pea gravel or some other gritty substance will be beneficial. Add about five percent to the potting mix

I hope these instructions will be helpful and by all means enjoy your arilbreds.

Instructions provided by: Superstition Iris Gardens