Iris bulb question...

I did some plant shopping today!! Got several things... But my question is about the iris bulbs I bought. The directions read as follows:

"Dutch Iris are excellent cut flowers and bloom from March to May depending on geographical location. Plant bulbs 4" deep and 4" apart in partial shade, keep soil moist after planting. Excellent for border plantings and require very little care. For best results in Florida precool for 6 to 8 weeks before planting."

Okay, here's my question... when do I plant these things?? When should I plan on planting them? I'm in Florida, Zone 9a/9b.

Thanks,
Donna

Donna, I am not an expert but suggest you post this question on the iris forum as there are definitely experts there who would be able to help you!

But they'll send her back here, it happened last time someone asked about Dutch Iris LOL
Dutch irises are bulb plants, not rhizomes like the tall bearded iris

Here's a site, but the only thing I could find is that they are planted in the fall. Is it fall for you yet?

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/bulbs-spring/Iris_ho.htm

JoanJ,

Fall is barely beginning here. I've put the bulbs in the fridge. Will plant in 6 weeks.

Donna

If you have any fruit in the fridge with them, get the fruit out. Fruit, especially apples, give off ethylene gas that can kill the flower inside the bulb.

You can plant them out now--people do around here. I don't grow them anymore, lack of real-estate (I'm into Louisiana Iris's myself). We are in the same zone and they recommend 4" deep here at the world famous Houston Bulb and Plant Mart. Hope this helps. =)
Debbie

How far does that ethylene gas travel? I have apples on my kitchen counter, and some about 15 feet away on the landing, and some more bulbs and rhizomes downstairs in the den, maybe 25 feet away.

I think the bulbs have to be in a confined space with the fruit.

Like the fridge.

Well, we will still be getting into the 80's next week. Is that fall? Doesn't seem like it to me. I think hubby ate all the apples... will check on that. No other fruits in the fridge at the moment... cept in cans. Will check it all out.

Thanks,
Donna

Well, I went ahead and planted the bulbs today any how. I found apples in the fridge.

Just out of curiosity...any idea if apples, fruit and such have the same affect on seeds?

Donna

As far as I know, fruit has no effect on seeds.

Cool! Thanks for the help guys!!!!

Okay, cool. My apples and my bulbs can coexist in the house peacefully then.