How do I store Bearded Iris for 6 months

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rosencrants Thayne, WY Aug 26, 2017

I just dug up 570 bearded iris, and cannot replant them
for 6 months... how do I save them ?

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TomH3787 Raleigh, NC(Zone 7b) Aug 28, 2017

Chances of success seem rather low. Iris rhizomes will probably not tolerate being dry for that length of time. For just a few your best option would be planting them in pots. But for 570 that is likely not practical. Maybe try storing them in bark mulch in containers with good drainage such as packing crates, leaving the tops of the plants exposed. Keep outdoors in shade as long as possible until winter and water occasionally to keep them from drying out. During the winter they would need to be kept cold (ideally covered in snow) as exposure to warm/dry indoor conditions would mean certain death.

// disclaimer: not an iris expert nor am I familiar with your local climate

Post #10320608
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rosencrants Thayne, WY Aug 28, 2017

Thank you for the info. I live in Wyoming, and will try covering them with some dirt in large plastic pots, keeping them in the garage, as the outside gets down to -20.

This message was edited Aug 28, 2017 10:37 PM

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