How do I store iris rhizomes over the winter?
Received rhizomes in wet soil on Dec. 26. Allowed them to dry and brushed off the soil. They are now in the basement on a rack. How can I keep them alive til spring? should I wrap them. What temp. do they need? Are they better in an unheated shed? Can they dry out too much?
Answer
Cleaning and allowing the rhizomes to dry was the right thing to do. If you can, dust them with sulfur powder or another anti-fungal powder, which helps prevent rot and insect problems. Wrap each rhizome with a piece of newspaper and store them in a cool, dark, dry location. Where you have them now in your basement on a rack would seem to be fine. Check them every few weeks to make sure that no rot is setting in. If they remain firm and not soft and mushy, they are fine. If any do begin to rot, discard them. Plant them in the spring when the ground enables you to dig them in. Good luck, and enjoy them.