Harvested considerably more Iris germanica root today, and left enough roots on each set of leaves for an increase. I peeled and grated them and left them open on a flat plate to dry. The first batch is already dry to touch.
Although I will increase my iris bed this way, note that they will not be as drought tolerant as larger rhizomes. They will need a little babying in my dry climate. In Texas or Seattle I would just put them back in the ground for winter root growth.
For my dry mountain garden, I potted them up in two 12 inch pots that will get supplemental water this year. I have one more 12 inch pot and will fill it also. These small pieces will likely take 3 years to fully recover here, so I plan to leave all 3 pots in the greenroom this winter to get an edge on root replacement, then replant in the spring.
Any small rhizomes I process after filling a third 12 inch pot will be put back in the raised stone bed.
My goal is to process about 1/3 of the 900 plants. Unless I get bored with processing Orris Root or too busy with other chores. At the moment, it seems perfectly feasible. I am delighted at the prospect of abundance in my food forest.
treeseeddreaming 