Re: TB (when/how do I dig up bulbs)
- To: i*@egroups.com
- Subject: Re: [iris-talk] TB (when/how do I dig up bulbs)
- From: J* I* J*
- Date: Sun, 25 Jun 2000 22:12:25 -0700
- References: <63.7742bb0.26880dde@aol.com>
WrightcasL@AOL.Com wrote:
>
> Could someone give me a clue of when I need to split up my bulbs. I have been
> told anytime now is fine. When you dig them up - how do you do it - If they
> are all connected together what is the best way to cut them apart?
>
> Also - if I want to store some for next year - what is the best way to do
> that - I have the tall bearded - and I have allot of people taking bulbs -
> but I know I will have some left over - hopefully we will get the new bed
> built in the next few weeks where they will be transplanted - but if not, how
> can I store them until next year - or store them for a few weeks before we
> get the bed in. Thanks Sylvia
Sylvia,
You haven't said where you are located (climate wise) so it is hard to
say when the best time for you to dig them is. A good rule of thumb is 1
1/2 to 2 months after they have bloomed. That has to be tempered a bit
if you are in a very cold zone. However some people dig and divide in
the middle of bloom season. Irises are very hardy, but that is not
really recommended.
Dig the whole clump. Remember that each rhizome only blooms once and
then makes babies called increases. Those increases will be what blooms
next year. Break off ones that have 4 or 5 leaves in the new fan. Don't
break off little ones with only 3 or less leaves or are just little
nubbins we call toes. Save the biggest and best to replant. If one of
those has a couple of toes attached, so much the better. Toss the old
mother rhizomes (unless it has a bunch of toes attached) and give the
others to friends.
Irises can easily sit out of the ground in a protected area for months
but if possible, get them in the ground with 6-7 weeks of growing time
til winter cold sets in. If you have to let them go til next year the
best thing would be to pot them up so they can establish root systems,
then transplant them next spring.
They will mostly survive in a garage or cellar (any protected place) til
next spring, but you will most likely lose a year of bloom. Just keep
them dry and aired out so mold and aphids don't grow on them.
If you have more questions ask away, questions are fun!
John | "There be dragons here"
| Annotation used by ancient cartographers
| to indicate the edge of the known world.
________________________________________________
USDA zone 8/9 (coastal, bay)
Fremont, California, USA
Visit my website at:
http://members.home.net/jijones
President, Westbay Iris Society
Director, Region 14 of the AIS
Chairman, AIS Committee for Electronic Member Services
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