I’m In Zone 7b & Need Advice Planting Old Dried Iris Bulbs In Containers For The Winter

Question

I’m desperately trying to get the last thing I have left of my Granny and their farm I grew up on and these older, dried people Iris’ are the last thing she dug up herself and gave to me. I live in zone 7b and have some good containers and a sunroom, so I’m planning on planting them November 26th, and keep them in the warm sunroom throughout winter and plant them next spring in my finished, raised beds in my yard. Plz help me with any and all advice that you possibly can. I don’t have a lot, but if I need to get certain lights to keep on them, I’ll do whatever I can to save them for my 1st grandbaby, born Saturday, to enjoy one day.

Answer 1

If they are already dry, you can roll them separately in newspaper and store them in a frost free area till spring planting. (late summer/fall is the best time to plant bearded iris, but spring will work, too.) If you prefer to plant them in soil for the winter, be sure not to overwater, because that can cause rot. Here are some tips that should help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/iris/when-to-plant-iris-bulbs-by-variety.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/iris/potted-iris-care.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/iris/what-is-a-bearded-iris.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/iris/rotting-iris-roots-bulbs.htm