From our perspective, the best time for you to intervene is when we have entered our complete dormancy phase. After our vibrant blooms have faded and our foliage has yellowed and died back, we redirect all our stored energy downward into our corms. This period of rest is crucial for our survival. Dividing us while we are actively growing would be a massive shock, severely damaging our systems and likely leading to our demise. Wait until the foliage is entirely brown and withered, and you have dug us up from the soil. This ensures we are at our most resilient and ready to be separated for future growth cycles.
When you lift our clump from the ground, you will notice we are not a single, solid bulb. Instead, a mother corm, which has just finished its life cycle providing energy for the past season's growth, will be surrounded by several smaller, firm daughter corms (also called cormels). These daughter corms are our future. Gently brush off the soil and carefully break us apart with your hands. The mother corm will often feel soft and spent; you may discard this one as its purpose is fulfilled. Each hard, plump daughter corm is a genetically identical copy, capable of growing into a new, independent plant. Handle us gently to avoid bruising our tender tissue.
After the division, we require a period of curing and protection. Please place us in a single layer in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area for about one to three weeks. This process allows the slight wounds from separation to callus over, forming a protective barrier that prevents rot and fungal infections when we are replanted. Do not skip this step, as moisture trapped against our flesh is detrimental. Once we are thoroughly dry, store us in a mesh bag or a box of dry peat moss, vermiculite, or sand. The ideal storage environment is a cool, dark place with good air circulation, around 50-55°F (10-13°C). This simulates the dry summer dormancy we naturally experience.
When the autumn or late winter planting time arrives, we will be ready to break our dormancy. Before planting, it is beneficial to soak us in room-temperature water for 3-4 hours. This rehydrates our tissues and gives us a significant head start. Plant us with our claw-like tuberous roots pointing downward, about 1-2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in well-draining soil. The moisture and cooler soil temperatures will signal to us that it is time to awaken. We will slowly begin to send out roots, establishing ourselves before putting our energy into producing the stems and magnificent flowers you so admire in the spring.
