Old Wives Tales
Kelly O'Neill (Tue, 04 May 2004 16:09:22 PDT)

I agree the foliage ought be treated well for the best bulb growth. I
think removing the seed heads (only) does help many plants. Some
plants even die if you let them go to seed. Such plants are not evolved
for long life of individuals. Bulbs do seem less likely to fall into that
category. I don't generally worry about deadheading unless I know I
want to bulk up the vegetation/bulb on an especially important plant or
I know it likes to bloom/seed itself to death. I'm not much for providing
"empirical data ". I'm not sure I can even think of a good example of a
bulb that really (clearly) benefits from deadheading. I do still believe
that part of the "wives tale".
The foliage is very important to many. I don't think Jim was saying
that if you cut the seed head the foliage dies sooner (I think he was
saying people cut the foliage in the process of removing the seed
heads). If seed head presence extended foliage health, I would need
to reconsider my theories. I think it is the opposite.
Eremurus himilaicus (spelling probably off) and lots of irises
glorious these days, KellyO

--
Kelly O'Neill
Wet Rock Gardens Flower Farm
U-Pick and more at the farm (open Sun, Wed, Fri 9-6 and by
appointment other times and days):
2877 N 19th Street
Springfield, Oregon 97477
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gardens@wetrock.com
http://www.wetrock.com/
(541) 746-4444
Business Office for mail or by appointment only:
1950 Yolanda AVE
Springfield, Oregon 97477