If they are bearded iris rhizomes they need to be in the ground 6 weeks before the first freeze to establish some roots.

I have planted when the soil was warm --- perhaps no summer rainfall makes that successful.

I want to bring my old fashioned bearded irises to our new home. It's fall here in NJ now and we don't close at the new place until January.

How can I bring the safely over to the new place? Dig and dry the rizhomes and store in a dry place like bulbs? Or plant in a washtub and drag along to the new place, keep in shed and transplant in spring?

Any suggestions?