Iris flowers are known for their stunning beauty and their ability to add vibrant colors to any garden. If you’re a fan of these breathtaking flowers and want to ensure that your garden stays vibrant season after season, knowing how to properly store iris bulbs (rhizomes) is crucial. Storing iris bulbs correctly helps preserve them during the winter and guarantees healthy blooms come spring. This guide covers everything you need to know about how to store iris bulbs, from digging them up to getting them ready for planting next season.
Why Store Iris Bulbs?
Iris bulbs, technically called rhizomes, are best stored when you need to move them to a different location, save them over winter, or share them with other gardening enthusiasts. In some climates, winters can be too harsh for iris rhizomes, making proper storage a necessary step. Additionally, storing bulbs can help avoid disease, rot, or damage, ensuring you get healthy and beautiful blooms next year.
When to Dig Up Iris Bulbs
Timing is crucial when it comes to storing iris bulbs. You should dig them up after the blooming season is over and when the foliage has turned brown and withered. This typically happens in late summer or early fall, depending on your climate.
Tips for Knowing the Right Time to Dig:
- Wait until the plant’s foliage turns yellow or brown.
- Do not dig them up when they are still green; the bulbs are still absorbing nutrients.
- A good rule of thumb is to wait about six weeks after the flowers have finished blooming before digging up the bulbs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Iris Bulbs
1. Dig Up the Bulbs Gently
When it’s time to dig up your iris bulbs, you need to handle them with care. Use a garden fork or a spade to gently loosen the soil around the rhizomes, being careful not to damage them. It’s best to dig a little distance away from the plant to avoid cutting into the rhizome accidentally. Slowly lift the rhizomes out of the ground and shake off any excess soil.
Pro Tip: Avoid using a trowel or other sharp tools that could cut or damage the delicate rhizomes.
2. Clean the Bulbs Carefully
Once the bulbs are out of the ground, remove as much dirt as you can by gently brushing the rhizomes. Do not wash them with water because excessive moisture can promote mold and rot. Inspect the rhizomes for any visible damage or signs of rot and remove any affected parts with a sterile knife or pruning shears.
Pro Tip: Trimming away dead foliage and roots will help keep the bulbs clean and ready for storage.
3. Cure the Bulbs for Storage
To prepare the iris bulbs for storage, they need to be cured. Curing helps to harden the outer skin of the bulbs, reducing the risk of damage or decay. Lay the bulbs out in a single layer in a dry, shaded area with good air circulation. Allow them to cure for 1-2 weeks.
Pro Tip: Use a drying rack or an old window screen to ensure air circulates evenly around the bulbs while they cure.
4. Inspect and Sort the Bulbs
Once the bulbs are cured, go through them to check for any remaining issues. Discard any rhizomes that show signs of rot, mold, or disease, as storing them could infect the healthy bulbs. Group your bulbs by variety or size to make planting easier next season.
Pro Tip: Keep track of different iris varieties by labeling them during this step. This will help you organize your garden layout when it’s time to replant.
5. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
The most important part of storing iris bulbs is keeping them in the right environment. A cool, dark, and dry place is ideal. Use a breathable container, like a mesh bag, burlap sack, or cardboard box, to store the bulbs. Fill the container with a dry, protective material like peat moss, sawdust, or shredded newspaper to keep them safe from excessive moisture.
Pro Tip: Do not use plastic bags, as they trap moisture and increase the risk of mold.
6. Label the Containers
If you have multiple varieties of iris bulbs, label each container with the variety name and any other relevant information (such as the color or the bloom time). This will help you easily identify and organize your bulbs when planting season arrives.
Pro Tip: Use a permanent marker or garden label to write on the container, making sure the label is secure.
7. Regularly Check on the Bulbs
Periodically check your stored iris bulbs throughout the winter. Inspect them every 4-6 weeks to ensure they remain firm and dry. If you notice any signs of mold or decay, remove the affected bulbs immediately. This helps prevent problems from spreading to healthy bulbs.
Pro Tip: If you notice the storage area is getting too humid, replace the protective material with fresh, dry peat moss or sawdust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Iris Bulbs
Storing iris bulbs properly isn’t difficult, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Storing in Plastic Bags: This traps moisture and increases the risk of rot.
- Not Curing the Bulbs: Curing hardens the outer layer, reducing the chance of mold or damage.
- Ignoring Temperature Requirements: A space that’s too warm or too cold can damage the bulbs.
- Failing to Check on Stored Bulbs: Inspect the bulbs regularly to catch any problems early.
- Leaving Damaged Bulbs Unchecked: Remove damaged or diseased bulbs to avoid contaminating healthy ones.
How to Replant Stored Iris Bulbs
Once the frost is over and it’s time to plant your bulbs again, follow these steps to ensure they thrive:
1. Choose the Right Location
Iris bulbs love well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. Choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
2. Prepare the Soil
Loosen the soil to about 12 inches deep and amend it with compost to improve drainage. Avoid using heavy clay soil or overly rich compost, as irises do best in lean soil conditions.
3. Plant at the Right Depth
Place the rhizomes just below the surface of the soil, making sure they are not buried too deeply. Cover them lightly with soil, with the top of the rhizome exposed to sunlight.
4. Water Wisely
After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly, but do not overwater. Irises prefer well-drained soil, and excessive moisture can cause root rot.
FAQs About Storing Iris Bulbs
1. Can I store iris bulbs over the winter?
Yes, if you live in a climate with harsh winters or want to relocate your bulbs, storing them is a great option.
2. How long can I store iris bulbs?
Stored properly, iris bulbs can last through the winter season and be ready for planting in spring.
3. What should I do if I see mold on my bulbs?
Remove any moldy bulbs immediately to prevent the mold from spreading to healthy bulbs. Ensure that the storage area is dry.
Conclusion
Storing iris bulbs properly is a simple process that ensures your garden remains beautiful year after year. By following the steps above, you can protect your irises from harsh weather, pests, and diseases, ensuring a healthy and vibrant garden when spring rolls around.
Have you tried storing iris bulbs before? Share your tips and experiences below! 🌺🌱
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