How to Keep Iris Bulbs Indoors

Keeping iris bulbs indoors is sometimes a necessity, depending on the winter conditions where you live. Some iris bulbs are not frost tolerant and require a little extra care during winter. Preparing the bulbs for indoor storage is an easy fall chore. Iris bulbs have simple needs: a cool, dry storage area and a pre-storage cleaning. Fulfilling these requirements will ensure the bulbs are ready for next year's planting.

Things You'll Need

• garden fork
• newspaper
• sharp knife
• sulfur
• fungicide
• paper bags
• peat moss
• cardboard box

Instructions

Keeping iris bulbs indoors

1. Just before the first frost, dig up the iris bulbs from your garden. Dig well away from the base of the iris foliage to prevent any damage and lift the bulbs out of the soil with a garden fork. Remember to keep the bulbs organized for later labeling or label them as you work.

2. The bulbs need to dry completely before going into storage; a week in a frost-free area will work just fine. Lay the bulbs out on a newspaper in a cool, dry location. The bulbs should not touch each other.

3. Remove any remaining soil from the bulbs, gently brushing the dirt away. Do not wash the bulbs, as moisture will induce rot. Inspect for and throw away any damaged or soft bulbs. With a sharp knife, cut off any foliage from the bulbs. Finally, apply a fungicide. You can keep damaged bulbs if you wish; however, dust these with sulfur and then store separately.

4. Any breathable container, such as a paper bag, crate or cardboard box, works well for keeping iris bulbs. Partially fill a cardboard box with peat moss. Place the dry bulbs in paper bags, seal the bags and then put the bags on the peat moss layer. Cover the bulbs with another peat moss layer and then repeat if desired.

5. Choose a storage location. A dry location of 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit is all that iris bulbs require for winter. A closet, dry basement or cellar, or pantry are all excellent options. The crisper drawer in a refrigerator works well, too; keep the temperature at 38 F.

Tips & Warnings

• When cutting the foliage from the bulbs, be careful not to cut into the bulb, as this will encourage rot.

• Do not store fruit in the same crisper drawer as bulbs; the fruit gives off a natural gas that will cause the iris bulbs to rot.

References

• Preparing bulbs for winter: How to store bulbs for winter
• Overwintering bulbs
• Digging and storing iris bulbs

Resources

• Summer flowering bulbs: Preplant and Overwinter Storage