How to Thin Iris Bulbs
Irises are beautiful spring flowers. Because they are grown from bulbs, or rhizomes, they reproduce easily and become crowded. When this happens, you need to dig them up and divide them. Irises need to be thinned every 3 or 4 years for optimum growth. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Lift the overgrown irises out of the bed by carefully placing your spade just under the bulbs and using it as a lever to loosen them from the ground. You should be able to remove the clumps of irises easily.
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Rinse the bulbs well with water. This will let you see where you need to separate the bulbs.
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Divide the the irises by cutting the bulbs apart where they attach to each other, using a sharp knife or garden shears.
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Leave the irises in the sun for a few days to let the wounds dry before replanting them.
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Replant the irises into the bed, adding a long-lasting slow release fertilizer. Water thoroughly. You will need to expand your bed or find a new place to plant the extra irises. Another option is to share the irises with friends and neighbors.
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Tips & Warnings
Take advantage of having the irises out of the bed, and work in a fertilizer or organic matter to improve the soil.
