How to tell if your iris is about to start a bloom stalk

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It's February 11th and I have to admit that it's been a disappointing year for flowers here at The Tropical Paradise. Most of my annuals faded away, and I have seen nothing on my daffodils or my iris, which are usually blooming by January, or at least early February. And here we are heading towards the middle of February and still no blooms! Of course, I go out all of the time and look, which is like looking for a bus down the street while you are waiting, it won't speed anything up. I have given them water and fertilizer and they're in a good location, where they've bloomed before.

So, if you're impatient like me, take a look at the bottom of your plants. I did today and was pleased to see a little bit of color there. That's the first indication that a bloom stalk is getting ready to grow. The next thing you'll be seeing will be the slight bulge as it begins, then after that, finally, blooms!

By the way, iris love water, so feel free to give them a drink anytime, especially here in Phoenix. I'm gonna go right now and mix up some Miracle-Gro in my big plastic watering can.

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