Many people think that gladioli can be left in the ground for the winter, especially if the frosts are not severe. But even with light frosts, the corms freeze slightly, lose vigor, and the next year produce weak, small flowers or do not bloom at all. The good news: everything you need will take less than an hour for the entire flower garden, and the result will delight you for years.
Here's what to do in October:
1. Dig up the corms on time
As soon as the leaves turn yellow and begin to dry out, carefully dig up the bulbs with a pitchfork so as not to damage the children. Do not wait until November, as at temperatures below +5°C the bulbs begin to suffer from the cold.
2. Dry and clean
Leave the bulbs in a warm, ventilated place for 2-3 weeks. Then remove the dry scales, trim the stems, leaving a stump of 1–2 cm, and separate the babies. Burn all plant debris, especially if there are signs of rot or blight.
3. Prepare for storage correctly
Store the bulbs in a cardboard box or canvas bag at a temperature of +5…+8°C and a humidity of 60–70%. Do not put it in the cellar if it is damp, and do not leave it in the apartment. If it is warm, the bulbs will germinate prematurely and weaken.
Important: do not store gladioli next to apples or potatoes. They emit ethylene, which disturbs the dormancy of the bulbs and reduces germination.
If you do everything on time, next summer you will be pleased with gladioli with tall, strong stems and large, bright inflorescences.
Question and answer:
Do I need to dry gladioli after digging?
Yes. Drying for 2-3 weeks in a warm, ventilated area prevents rot and helps the bulbs go into a dormant state.
Is it possible to leave gladioli in the ground for the winter?
Only in southern regions with warm winters and under shelter. In the middle zone and to the north, be sure to dig it up, otherwise the bulbs will freeze and not bloom.
Is it possible to store gladioli in the cellar?
Only if the cellar is dry and the temperature does not drop below +3°C. When humidity is high, the bulbs become moldy.
