Oncos 2009

[Luc Gilgemyn]

I can see it in front of me... 

Oh, sorry, Luc  I was tryingto help David..... you're not put off your food, are you? 

Don't worry Maggi - look at my avatar.  It takes more than that to put me off my food... 

[Hans A.]

Thanks for the comments - hope my few seedlings will be able to flower next year to crosspolinate them to get seeds.

That is a wonderful plant - how many more treasures to you have to show us 

Arthur, this something I am not sure about.
This is a forum which is observed by many people - something I do not want is to wake desires in other growers which could animate collectors to dig out large quantities just for commercial benefit - traded plants or seeds should come from cultivated stocks.
So maybe I will show for example some of the species which are propagated by Janis Ruksans, floralpin etc. or some I received as gifts from other responsible growers.
In my opinion it cannot be said any of this species is an easy one in cultivation - even not in my conditions.

[art600]

Hans

I agree with your comments.  You have shown us that with determination it is possible to grow some really wonderful plants, that can be obtained from trusted sellers.

I know it is possible to grow some, if not all, from seed, and there has been excellent advice on how to maximise the percentage germination, and how to grow them on.

I hope,though, that you have several 'common' Iris still to show us 

[Hans A.]

Not really very "common" is Iris nigricans, which started to bloom today - this so called "Black-Iris" it is the national flower of Jordania - a quite tricky species - I nearly lost this clone because of softrot last year  - of something over 20 fans I could save only 3.  . It is in any case a spectacular species which can be found sporadically in trade.

[art600]

Spectacular Iris - glad you were able to save some 

[maggiepie]

Do as I do, David.... read with a towel tied round your face, as though you had mumps..... 

I thought my mother was the only person on the planet who did that!!!!

[Maggi Young]

Do as I do, David.... read with a towel tied round your face, as though you had mumps..... 

I thought my mother was the only person on the planet who did that!!!!

Fine woman, your Mother, I won't hear a word against her!!

[arillady]

Great to see you saved this clone and managed to flower it Hans

[Luc Gilgemyn]

What a cracker Hans !  It looks like a giant flower ! 

[BULBISSIME]

Wonderfull Pic and flower hans !
The colour and texture are really fantastic !
I've this sp. since last autumn and I hope to get some flower, but you're very early in your are, lucky man !
How did you solve tho softrot trouble ?? Fongicide ?

[Oron Peri]

Hans, you are a Master!!!
It is not an easy task to grow  species  originated in  semidesert and desert climate.
Bravo

[Hans A.]

Thanks - it is really a stunning diva and I am glad to be able to grow it here. 

@Fred - Soft Rot is caused by bacteria (Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora) so a fungicid should not help - until now it only affected my plants short time before they started to flower - the only possibilty I see is to lift the clump, divide it and cut out the infected parts generously (often not easy as the Rhizomes are often very compact)- you will lose the flowers but with a bit of luck you save the clone and have also multiplied it. Very important is to sterilize the scalpel (or knife) after every cut. After all this procedure I treat the cut surface with a fungizid and charcoalpowder.

[BULBISSIME]

Thank's Hans, I didn't translate softrot the right way !
I know Erwinia  as I've already lost plants because of this pest !!!!

[Hans A.]

I have been told normal antibiotics could help - have not tried it yet (and hope this will not be necessary to soon )

[BULBISSIME]

You'er right hans,
Streptomycin is efficient against bacterias, but not allowed in France for commercial cultures ( May be allowed in Spain ? )
I never tried it, nevertheless, why not try it if necessary ?