How do you separate iris bulbs?

To divide your iris, start by lifting the clump of iris plants out of the ground with a spade or fork. If possible, lift the whole mass out whole, but if you are unable to do this, carefully break the clump into smaller parts and lift these out. Next, brush of as much dirt as possible from the iris rhizomes.Click to see full answer. Keeping this in consideration, when can you separate iris bulbs?The best time to divide these plants is four to six weeks after they bloom — midsummer to early fall — every two to three years when blooming decreases. The foliage should be cut back into short fans and the rhizome lifted from the soil.Also, how do you propagate irises? Use a fork to dig up a congested clump of irises. Pull the congested rhizomes apart by hand, or cut them with a knife. Newly-planted rhizomes are vulnerable to wind rock, so it’s a good idea to reduce the leaves by half. Replant healthy rhizomes about 12cm apart with the leaves facing towards the sun. One may also ask, what is the best time to divide irises? Mid- to late-summer is a good time to divide bearded irises. You want to make sure that the roots have ample time to grow before winter. You can usually tell that your irises are ready to be divided when a clump looks overgrown, with rhizomes starting to grow into each other and popping up from the soil.Do you cut Iris back in the fall?It usually takes several weeks for iris leaves to completely die back. By early fall, the leaves are usually ready to be cut back, according to the Utah State University Cooperative Extension. Leaves should be cut back to about 6 to 8 inches above the ground. Then, wait until after the first hard frost.