Seeds Flowers - 5 g

The Dutch iris (Iris × hollandica), bred from the Mediterranean Iris tingitana, is a winter-flowering bulbous iris cherished as an ornamental across Egypt. It rises on tall, slender stems between roughly 50 and 100 cm, crowned with sculptural, jewel-toned flowers that make stunning borders and long-lasting cut blooms for the vase. Grown commercially from bulbs rather than field-sown seed, it rewards gardeners with elegant colour while the winter garden is still quiet.

Planting

Plant the bulbs in autumn through early winter, from about September to November, so roots settle before bloom. Choose a full-sun spot with 6 or more hours of direct light and well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly acid sandy loam; lighten heavy clay with grit or rotted compost. Set bulbs about 15 cm deep for perennializing (around 10 cm for one season) and space them roughly 10 to 15 cm apart.

Fertilizing

Broadcast a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus granular organic feed such as 5-10-5 over the bed surface, never in the bottom of the hole. Apply three times: at autumn planting, at spring emergence, and again as flowers fade. Phosphate and potassium boost flower number and stem strength.

Care

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth with frequent short waterings, since drought delays flowering, but avoid standing water that rots bulbs. Expect bloom in mid-to-late spring (earlier in warm climates). Watch for slugs, snails, thrips, aphids and bulb pests, plus soft rot and grey mould; clear old leaves to limit disease. The plant is harmful if eaten.