I just got some tall bearded irises (don't ask why at this time! ). As I live in Zone 7a with freezing nights and 40-50 degrees during the day, I was wondering what's the best way to plant them. I could plant them in the ground now and hope for the best, plant them in pots and leave them outside or inside, or store them bare rooted for a couple months? Any recommendations?

I say pot them if not too many. I just did a full garden transplant days ago. I know most of all will be fine, but temps are plummeting and will reach a low of 20 this week here. Luckily were getting rain so the dirt can settle on mine and bind to the roots.

You would keep the pots outside? In a protected area?

Pot and store in garage. On warmer and sunny days move outside. You want some root growth, but they need to get acclimated and you don't want a lot of heaving.

O.K. Will do that. Thanks, Gabe and Greg!

Would pots in the garage need to be in the sun or just warmer than outdoor temps? I have only one window in my garage.

I would think that they should have some sun.

Sun will help for sure but they sure aren't ready for freezing ground temps without some warmer time in the garage.

The garage is a temporary setting until they establish themselves. They do need sun light and may need to be shuttled in and out of the garage a few times during this time during any warm spells. The goal is some root growth so no heaving occurs during the heart of Winter.