Fields of Blue

Day 10 of Valentine's Day shipping...

Yesterday was a particularly beautiful day at the Arcata farm, so it seemed an ideal time to get out to the fields and hoophouses, which tend to be a bit muddy when it rains. I wanted to get a closer look at iris, since we're closing in on Spring - one of the strongest seasons for iris.


The sun drenches the fields of our Arcata farm



Perfect day for a bike ride through the fields and hoophouses



First stop: Iris hoophouses. (Yes, my coffee came along for the ride!)



Bulbs have just been planted. Wire grid and drip tape are in place



Iris starts to peek out from the soil. This crop will be ready to bloom around early Mother's Day shipping

 

Baby irises are starting to sprout. These babies will be full grown in time for late Mother's Day shipping

Telstar just starting to come up. This iris crop will be ready for harvest mid-April

Telstar mid-growth. Expect to see the full blooms mid-March

Iris crops nearing harvest time. Soon their blooms will start to show color at the tips



Iris buds close-up. We pick iris and ship it when it is closed like this to prolong the vase life



White iris popping up in the Telstar hoophouse. We call this a "fence jumper" 



Granted, I have small hands, but Telstar Iris blooms are about the size of them!

Gorgeous day, gorgeous tour.

While the iris harvest is in full swing for several areas of the farm (in Arcata and Oxnard), many of the hoops are currently quiet and serene. I suppose those iris crops are waiting patiently for upcoming holidays. Until then, they make for a very pleasant bike ride! 


To learn more about any of our flowers, it's always a good idea to check out Sun Valley's Resource Pages. CLICK HERE for the one on Iris.