🌱 How to Grow Iris from Bulbs
Also known as:

• Hindi: आइरिस फूल (Iris Phool)

• Tamil: ஐரிஸ் மலர் (Iris Malar)

• Telugu: ఐరిస్ పుష్పం (Iris Pushpam)

• Malayalam: അയറിസ് പൂവ് (Iris Poov)

• Kannada: ಐರಿಸ್ ಹೂವು (Iris Hoovu)

• English: Iris

• Botanical Name: Iris spp.

1. 🗓️ Choose the Right Season

• Best time to plant: Late summer to early winter (August–December)

• Blooms in late winter to spring (February–April)

• Ideal Temperature: 10°C–25°C

2. 🌱 Prepare the Soil

• Soil Type: Well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil

• pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.5–7.0)

• Mix soil with compost or leaf mold; good drainage is key to avoid bulb rot

3. 🌾 Planting the Bulbs or Rhizomes

• Depth:

  • For bulbous irises: Plant 3–4 inches deep

  • For rhizomatous irises: Plant shallowly, with rhizome just below or slightly above soil level

• Spacing: 6–8 inches between bulbs/rhizomes

• Ensure good air circulation between plants

4. 💧 Watering

• Water lightly after planting

• During active growth, keep soil moderately moist

• Reduce watering after flowering and during dormancy

• Avoid soggy soil, especially in winters

5. 🌿 Germination & Growth

• Shoots appear in 2–4 weeks depending on temperature

• Leaves are sword-like and upright

• Flower spikes emerge as plants mature, often in the second year for rhizomes

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

• Needs full sun (6–8 hours daily)

• Tolerates partial shade, but best flowering in sunny spots

• Protect from strong wind and frost in colder zones

7. 🌼 Fertilization

• Mix in compost at planting

• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer once monthly during active growth

• Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leaf growth at the expense of blooms

8. 🛡️ Pest & Disease Control

• Common pests: Aphids, iris borers, slugs

• Diseases: Root rot, leaf spot, bacterial soft rot

• Use neem oil spray every 2 weeks if pests appear

• Remove dead leaves and infected plants; maintain dry surroundings

9. 🌸 Blooming & Aftercare

• Iris blooms are delicate, ruffled, and vibrant in shades of blue, purple, white, yellow, or mixed

• Each stem bears multiple flowers

• Deadhead spent blooms to promote more flowering

• After blooming, allow foliage to mature and store energy for next season

10. 🌱 Regrow Tip

• Allow rhizomes or bulbs to go dormant in summer

• Lift and divide every 2–3 years to prevent overcrowding

• Store in a dry, cool place if lifting for dormancy

• Replant in fresh soil mix for vibrant blooms next cycle

🌼 Benefits of Iris Flowers

• Symbolizes wisdom, faith, and courage

• Excellent cut flowers with long vase life

• Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies

• Adds elegance and height to flower beds and borders