Iris soon to give away

When I have the time, I plan to dig up all my purple Iris and offer them. When is the best time to dig?

Iris are very tuff and will survive no matter when you dig but after bloom is best. I have dug mine at every stage possible and never had problem though. traditionaly digging is in fall but by no means required.

hey dun1kirk,
I agree with flowrgirl1.. in fact have thrown some on the ground before... forgot about them, and they planted themselves. They are very tough !!

I've always heard to dig bearded irises about four to six weeks after they stopped blooming in spring, so the pros start digging in July. you did nt say what kind of purple irises - so I'll tell you now most folks dig the beardless ones around september, near dormancy.

I too have had to dig irises at times other than prime time and they've done well. just remember to trim the foliage back to about half at least. it helps the plants not fall over when they are transplanted, and makes for a lot less bulk when you're giving plants away!