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When to plant bearded irises

Plant bearded irises for fall 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost.

Your dates for bearded irises

Set your ZIP code at the top of the page and we will work out when to plant bearded irises where you live, from the frost records of the nearest NOAA weather station. Your ZIP code is remembered on this device only.

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Bearded Irises planting dates by zone

JFMAMJJASOND Zone 4b Zone 5b Zone 6b Zone 7b Zone 8b Zone 9a
Fall plantingDates use each zone's typical frost dates. Enter your ZIP code for your own.
Dates from each zone's typical (median) frost dates.
ZoneFall planting
Zone 2a *Jun 13 to Jul 25
Zone 3aJun 22 to Aug 3
Zone 3bJul 2 to Aug 13
Zone 4aJul 6 to Aug 17
Zone 4bJul 9 to Aug 20
Zone 5aJul 12 to Aug 23
Zone 5bJul 18 to Aug 29
Zone 6aJul 25 to Sep 5
Zone 6bJul 30 to Sep 10
Zone 7aAug 2 to Sep 13
Zone 7bAug 9 to Sep 20
Zone 8aAug 15 to Sep 26
Zone 8bAug 21 to Oct 2
Zone 9aSep 3 to Oct 15
Zone 9bSep 16 to Oct 28

* Outside zones 3 to 10, the hardiness range our sources give for bearded irises. Plants there may not survive the winter or get enough winter chill, and are usually grown as annuals or in pots.

Where frost is rare

Hardy through zone 10. In hot climates wait until summer heat breaks (in central Texas, once highs drop below 100F, typically September) before dividing and replanting, and set rhizomes at or just under the surface with only a thin cover so they get light but do not bake or rot.

How to grow bearded irisesYour full planting calendar

Sources