How to Care for Dormant Iris Bulbs

Iris bulbs are extremely cold hardy, even in the northern areas of North Dakota and other cold climates. Unlike tender bulbs that are damaged by cold temperatures, iris bulbs will do just fine during dormancy in the ground with a little bit of winter protection. On the other hand, if you have loose iris bulbs and the ground is not workable, you're going to have to wait until the spring before planting them. In the meantime, carefully store the bulbs so they don't rot.

Mulch
Sulfur
Box

Instructions

- 1
  Mulch dormant iris bulbs if they are already planted in the ground rather than digging them up for winter storage. Cut any brown foliage with pruning shears back to the ground. Cover the iris garden with about 6 inches of mulch such as pine straw or pine bark to prevent the bulbs from heaving (freezing and thawing repeatedly).
- 2
  Dust any loose bulbs with sulfur, available at nursery and garden stores, if the ground is frozen and you can't plant them. Sulfur will help prevent bulbs from succumbing to insect damage and root rot while in storage.
- 3
  Choose a dark, cool location, such as an attic, storage shed or garage to store the loose dormant bulbs. Place them in an open box and store until after the ground thaws in the spring.

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