I just plant and thoroughly soak the area. And I do mean soak. No more water for a month unless Mother Nature delivers.

Some people like to soak dry tubers for an hour or so before planting.

I wouldn't expect bloom this year. Next year? Much depends on your soil's nutrition and the particular cultivar's vigor.

Good luck. We'll want bloom pictures and the story again.

I think they may do okay. I have purchased bearded iris rhizomes from HD at this time of year, and they were pretty dessicated and appeared to be just shy of the next world when planted. Most have managed to resurrect.
Renee

Blackangus - at least your irises were unintentionally stored. I'm a bonafide slacker :D

I'm in a different zone, but I take this to mean that I can plant my irises now and they'll be okay. I don't expect bloom this year, but I want to get them in the ground while I'm on a roll with the bed preparations and soil-working.

I've had the rhizomes sitting in the garage for a year and a half now and they're nice and dry and still have roots on them.