Why are my iris rhizomes rotting?
Iris root rot is a caused by Erwinia carotovora, a bacterial phytopathogen. It usually gets inside the rhizome through an opening created by some kind of injury. Any pest could provide this entry, including borers, slugs, snails, beetle larvae or even rough use of tools.
How do you treat a rhizome rot?
Remove and destroy rotting or rotted plants, their bulbs or rhizomes and, ideally, the soil up to six inches beyond the problem area. If you opt to treat with a fungicide, the area should be drenched when the plants are removed, again at planting time and once more when the irises start to show new growth.
How do you revive bearded iris?
Revitalizing your Irises involves digging them up, removing the dead or diseased rhizomes and then replanting them. You’ll need a shovel and a sharp knife to properly perform these tasks.
What kills iris borer?
Killing iris borers requires a well timed insecticide application. Spinosad is a safe spray that is a bio-insecticide. It should be applied when the iris growth is just 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm.) high in early spring.
How do you save a rotting bulb?
A rotting bulb can be salvaged (you can make more of the same variety) by cutting the rot away and using a method called cuttage. Both Jodi and I (and many others) have done this. You end up cutting the rot away under very clean conditions and putting the pieces in baggies of moist vermiculite.
How long can iris rhizomes stay out of the ground?
Now lay the “keeper” rhizomes aside in a shaded location, a garage or cool shed is a good storage area, while the planting beds or plant- ing holes are readied. It will not damage the prepared rhizomes to remain out of the ground for two weeks.
Why are my iris dying?
The leaves wilt, turn yellow, shrivel and die, starting about the time iris are in bloom. Soft rot is caused by bacteria which commonly enter the iris plant through feeding wounds made by iris borer worms. Rotting is often rapid in older beds which are over-crowded, shaded and poorly drained.
How long will iris bulbs last?
Iris bulbs won’t last a very long time in storage, so you should consider options for transplanting or forcing indoor growth for the bulbs after 3-4 weeks of storage. If you notice a lot of your bulbs are beginning to rot or dry out, plant them as soon as possible.
Can you let iris bulbs dry out?
There will be some dirt left on the rhizome. The next step in preparing iris rhizomes for storage is to place them in a dark, dry, somewhat cool place to further dry or cure. Leave the iris rhizomes there for one to two weeks. After the iris rhizomes have cured, coat them in powdered sulfur or other anti-fungal powder.