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The genus Iris ( EYE - ris ) may only have about 300 species to its name ( and some count on even less ) , but it ’s so diverse that there are 6 dissimilar subgenres .
Of these , 4 have bulbs , and 2 have rhizomes , which are confusing even for veteran iris growers .
Photo Credit: Instagram @sow_much_more
Even more confusing is the substance abuse of sword lily to have a wide range of unlike aid needs , such as the yellow signal flag iris ’s need for boggy soilversus the Algerian irisand its need for more arid term .
However , the most confusing thing for many iris enthusiasts is how long the bumps can be stored before planting .
Since a need for partitioning is one thing every iris has in common , this inquiry will always come up for anyone own an iris plant .
How Long Can You Keep Bulbs Before Planting Iris?
Iris bulbs run to be viable for up to a month , although certain experimental condition can affect their life-time .
Not only will you need the right storage conditions , but you ’ll have to believe the wellness of the bulb and what season you ’re storing it in .
Shelf Life Of An Iris Bulb
An iris bulb has a shelf life sentence of only 4 to 6 week when the right way salt away .
The bulb are highly susceptible to drying out and rotting , make them very unmanageable to store .
For the good outcome , it ’s generally suggested you establish the light bulb as soon as possible , either in a pot or the garden .
Warning: Bulbs Are NOT The Same As Rhizomes!
Before go any further , it ’s full of life to bring up one of the most common misconceptions in iris care .
Despite what most web site ( and even some experts ) claim , iris bulbs are not the same affair as an sword lily rhizome , and err the two will often lead to grief .
The only iris to have rhizomes are :
They ’re also the most popular .
When plant , an iris rhizome will have up to ⅓ of its height uncover , while a bulb must be produced to a depth of 3 times its height .
The two also pass around other than , with bulb grow buds that become new bulbs while the rhizomes offer in an almost powdered ginger - like way .
Cut a tiny shaving off to order if your iris has a bulb or a rhizome .
If the DoI is white and stiff like a potato , you have a rhizomatous flag and will need to store it otherwise .
However , if you see layers like an onion , your flag is a bulblike type , and it ’s dependable to read on .
Harvesting Iris Bulbs
The bulbs should be harvested in autumn before the first frost hits .
Begin by doing the pursuit :
Divide The Bulbs
Divide your bulbs and check soundly for signs of disease or plague .
Tiny kettle of fish in the bulb areevidence of iris borer infestation .
A foul odor or cushy spot suggest moulder .
Any bulbs damaged during excavation should also be toss away .
While it ’s possible to salvage a damaged or partially diseased lightbulb , the risk far overbalance any likely benefit .
Dry The Bulbs
Next , sit the bulbs in the sun or a bright window to dry .
It will take about 1 to 2 days in full sun or 3 to 4 days indoors for the medulla oblongata to dry out out enough for the next tone .
If they do n’t experience dry when you touch them , let them bear on to sit for a while longer .
Curing The Bulbs
This necessary step serve the lightbulb accommodate from their previous weather condition to your storage area .
Storing For The Winter
Once the electric light are right cured , do the undermentioned steps :
Check Frequently
The peril of putrefaction or overdrying can not be stressed enough , and it ’s important to tick your light bulb every 2 to 3 day while in storage .
When a bulb becomes so dry that it starts to Brown University , dot these following tips :
call back , the bulb will only last 3 to 4 weeks while in storehouse , as you ’ve already spend 2 weeks cure them , so you should make program to pot or plant them before this catamenia has ended .
