If you want to transplant irises or if you are moving houses, you should store them for a short time.It can be difficult to store the bulbs because they need close attention to make sure they don't rot.It is possible to keep your bulbs indoors for up to a month with the proper care.
Step 1: Carefully dig up the bulbs with a spade.
Make a small hole around the area where your irises are growing.Set your spade aside and dig until you reach the bulb.The bulb may have roots.Try to keep as many roots intact as possible while you remove it from the ground.Gloves should be worn when handling bulbs to avoid irritation of the skin.
Step 2: Use a scrub brush or hand to remove excess soil.
To avoid damaging the bulb or its roots, remove as much soil as possible.You can use a bag to transport the bulbs, but be sure to carry them carefully and avoid dropping the bag.
Step 3: It is a good idea to inspect each bulb for damage.
There are pests that bore holes into the iris bulbs.The underneath of every bulb should be checked for holes and other signs of disease.If the bulb is damaged, discard it.If your bulbs are damaged, they won't last in storage and can rot in the container, potentially damaging the rest of them.
Step 4: Prune the leaves to 3 to 4 inches.
If your bulbs have leaves that are still intact, make sure to trim them all to length.This will allow the bulbs to conserve energy while in storage.You can skip this step if your bulbs don't have leaves.
Step 5: The bulbs should be placed in the sun for a day or two.
Before curing the bulbs need to be completely dry.Placing them in the sun will allow them to dry out.If it isn't sunny on the days that you're storing the bulbs, put them inside near a window.It can take 3-4 days for the bulbs to dry.
Step 6: The bulbs need to be placed in a dark place for 2 weeks to cure.
The bulbs need to cure before you can store them.To get the bulbs adjusted to being outside of the ground, let them sit in an area that is around 70F.The bulbs will die when replanted if they are kept away from sunlight.Try to find a windowless room like a basement, garage, or garden shed.
Step 7: A shallow storage container is a good place to put it.
A good storage container can hold all of your bulbs in a single layer.The bulbs require a lot of air so the container doesn't need a lid or covering.If the container is clean and dry, you can use it.Before use, wipe out the container completely.The lower layers of the bulbs can rot if they are stored in layers.
Step 8: A mixture of equal parts sand, damp peat moss, and wood shavings can be made.
The amount of each will be determined by the shallowness of your container.If there is enough to cover your bulbs in a single layer, fill the container with equal parts of each ingredient.Use your hands to mix the medium thoroughly.
Step 9: After curing the bulbs, apply anti-fungal or sulfur powder.
At any home improvement store or garden center you can find these powders.Dust each bulb with a thin layer of powder to protect them from rotting.When handling chemical powders, it's a good idea to wear gloves and work in aventilated area.
Step 10: The bulbs need to be checked every few days to make sure they don't rot.
During the curing process, keep an eye on your bulbs to make sure they don't rot.After being removed from the ground, bulbs can develop signs of disease.Look for soft bulbs.After 2 weeks, you can remove the bulbs from the curing area and prepare them for storage.
Step 11: If you do not have storage mix, wrap the bulbs in newspaper.
The newspaper will keep the bulbs separate and allow you to check them on a regular basis.Wrap each bulb individually and put them in a storage container.The bulbs can become too dry if they are wrapped in multiple layers of newspaper.
Step 12: Place wrapped bulbs in a container.
The same container can be used for curing the bulbs.Make sure your bulbs are covered with a single layer of newspaper.Make sure the bulbs aren't packed tightly.You should be able to rearrange the bulbs easily.To protect them further, place a layer of newspaper between the bulbs.
Step 13: The bulbs should be put in the storage mixture.
If you aren't using newspaper, start by clearing a small hole for the bulb with your hand and place it in the area that you've prepared.Press lightly on the area to make sure the bulb is secure.There is a layer of newspaper between the bulbs and the storage medium.The bulbs on the bottom will be protected from rotting.
Step 14: The container should be placed in a cool, dim place that is wellventilated.
There are good storage spaces that have windows that can be opened or closed.There are no pests or molds near the container if it is left uncovered.
Step 15: When the leaves start to brown, mist the bulbs lightly with water.
The storage medium and bulbs should be checked every week.If you notice that your bulbs are drying out, mist them lightly until the mixture is damp to the touch.Water on bulbs that aren't drying out can cause rotting.
Step 16: Light bulbs that are soft to the touch should be removed and discarded.
The softer the bulbs are, the more like a healthy iris bulb.Wrap the bulb in a newspaper or bag and throw it away if you notice it is starting to rot.If you want to check for rotting once a week, gently pressing on the medium around the bulbs is a good way to do it.You should not be able to press all the way down into the bulb.
Step 17: Plants your irises again.
After 3-4 weeks of storage, iris bulbs won't last very long, so you should consider transplanting or forcing indoor growth for the bulbs.If you notice that a lot of your bulbs are starting to rot or dry out, plant them as soon as possible.