It depends on the temps for that season, Debra. Some winters are so mild that I have impatiens blooming outdoors over the Christmas Holidays and some winters they are killed by frost in October. If the irises 'harden off' during the day with temps above freezing and come in at night to avoid the frost, and make roots and grow, they can go outdoors when you feel they are ready..... an iris mother always knows. Before putting them outside to stay they will need to go outside of the warmth of the house for a week or two, as in a garage, so they will not be actively growing. I also bring pots of re-bloomers inside during late fall if it is going to freeze overnight and then back out in the sunshine in the morning. I need a greenhouse but where would I put one?!?!?
Thank you Leslie I will tell the dog that when he looks at me sideways and then at the iris to see what it will do. He thinks I am nuts too but he loves me anyway. LOL
