This week's Dig It is Black Gamecock. We are huge fans of this Louisiana iris variety. Pittsgrove Farms is actually located on a minor plateau in Hunterdon County. The unique location provides us with very fertile soil, while also giving us quite a few wet spots.
For wet spots Louisiana iris are second to none and the Black Game Cock is one of our favs. It has incredible deep purple color that is nearly black. They grow to three feet with flowers 8-10 inches higher. Considering its height, it is a wonderful iris to plant in the back of a planting bed. The bright orange-yellow beards complement the deep purple well. Black Game Cock notably won the Mary Swords DeBallion in 1989, which the highest award given for Louisiana iris.
Louisiana in general tend to bloom later in the season, which tends to be late May, early June. Every other year or so Louisiana iris should be divided. They require moist, acidic soil and can grow in shallow water.
They should be planted in the fall before frost. Though they like it to be moist, they should be planted in an area that dries out in winter as freezing in ice can be fatal. While we sell our plants in pots, if buying bare root, you need to be careful no to let the iris rhizomes to dry out. If they dry out, you'll likely be out of luck.
They should be watered heavily at first planting and continue watering during growing season. After Louisiana iris bloom, keep iris watered in summer or flood the bed once in awhile.
During the spring and summer Louisiana iris grown in garden beds absolutely require at least 3” of mulch and before winter 8-10” of mulch should be added.
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