Can I dig up my iris bulbs.....(please read further)?

We live in an apartment near Kansas City, KS.


We are moving out at the end of September.


The irises have been living for about 8 years in my garden, and we will be moving to another apartment, where we might have to grow them in a pot instead of in the ground.





These bulbs belonged to my mom for over 10 years before she died, and I got them. I don't want to lose them.





Will they die if I dig them up in late September?


How can I store them so they don't freeze or rot? (I lost several a few years ago when I tried to store them and they got moldy.)


Can they grow okay in a pot? What size/depth pot is best?





I might be able to put them in the ground. Is this best?





Thanks!

Can I dig up my iris bulbs.....(please read further)?
Gilbert H Wild and Son - P.O. Box 338 Sarcoxie, MO 64862-0338


http://www.gilberthwild.com/





Contact


http://www.gilberthwild.com/index.php?pa...








Explain the situation and ask them how to store properly.


I think your best bet is to actually ask the experts. We all all like to think of ourselves as being informed but could easily lead you astray with incorrect information. This is far to IMPORTANT for you.


Good Luck
Reply:Many good references at the sites listed below. I also have some plants in my garden that were from my parents home, and I would never want to lose them! The Sunset article below covers all the planting tips.





Good luck, and Happy Gardening! Now you have a project for the long weekend.





Also, don't forget to go to a local nursery, as they will also give you pointers based on your climate.
Reply:I also have handed down Iris and my mom puts them in a gallon milk container with a little water (to cover the roots) also cutting back the green to an inch. Then you can store them in the basement all winter and plant them in the spring. Works well:) Good luck!
Reply:As I mentioned in your Columbine post as long as you have the time necessary for root development they should be fine. This is a bit late in the season here but I am doing my Iris' now. However I live in a colder climate than you do. Early August is usually when the online markets send out Iris's. After planting in the ground mulch them but in the spring push back the mulch because the rhizomes like to breath and shouldn't be planted under the soil more than 2". I have never seen Iris in a pot nor have I tried it so I am not qualified to answer that. Some one else here will probably give you great info on potting or storing the rhizomes in a box over the winter.


I have stored the rhizomes with fair success. Good luck with your Moms Iris's.
Reply:Late Sep. is the best time to dig them up. Make sure you cut the green back to an inch to inch and a half. You can plant them as soon as you move, don't let them dry out and don't plant them too deep. They are cold tolerant.

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