Tom --

Two more showed their little green faces this morning, One of them is a Gypsy Lord cross, and the other is not. So now I have 6 of the 10 crosses up and running. Wonder why they are so slow this year.

How much does an extended weather condition affect Iris? I have some that bloomed in mid-March last year, yet haven't put up a single stalk this year. We did have a much colder than normal winter, but I thought that would be good for them, and didn't seem to affect the bloom time of most others here. (?)

There are so many things that can affect the bloom, it's hard to be sure what it is. Some times they bloom themselves out, and they need a year to grow increases again. I wouldn't think that your weather was too extreme for them, not like the multi -22 degree weather we had many days this past winter.

Okay. DaveinPa referenced his Germanica's over on a Cubits thread, saying they are usually the first to bloom, but his haven't put up any stems yet, either, so I will try to be patient and see if they are just going to be late. It's just that I promised some to Lori (enidcandles) and need them to bloom to be 100% certain of what I would be shipping. May have to wait for next year.

Don't worry, our pumilas have not bloomed as yet, either.

Bloom time is going to be all out of whack this year, I think! I have some IB's that look like they are going to beat some of the MDB's ! Screwy weather !!...Arlyn

Debra -- were they first-time bloomers for you last year when they bloomed in March? I ask because Irises set their buds the year before the bloom. So if they were new to you, then they set their buds the previous year, bloomed for you last year, then maybe spent last year settling in and developing increases rather than bloom buds.

Maybe you already know that................?

Thank you so much everyone! Glad to know you're happy I'm back.

Well, Polly, we're kind of a "cyber" familly here, and you are one of the important members.

Mary Ann, I did not know that and it is good information to have.

with Tom, Polly. I don't know you well, but I have seen your posts and know that a lot of folk here are delighted that you are back.

tveguy3 said:Well, Polly, we're kind of a "cyber" familly here, and you are one of the important members.

Thanks again.

Another new one came up today, making 7 of the 10 crosses successful. This one only had 6 seeds, so I was happy to get them to grow.

Another one popped up today, making it 8 of the 10 that are coming up.

That's wonderful Tom!! Here's hoping you get two more!!