How to Store Gladiolus Bulbs for Winter: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Gladiolus flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden, but they are not hardy in cold climates. This means that gardeners need to dig up and store gladiolus bulbs in the winter to protect them from freezing temperatures.
Digging Up Gladiolus
The best time to dig up gladiolus bulbs is after the first frost has killed off the foliage. You can also dig them up about eight weeks after the flower spikes have finished blooming.
To dig up gladiolus bulbs, use a garden fork or spade to gently loosen the soil around the plant. Pull the plant by its dried leaves and shake it gently to remove any loose dirt.
Storing Gladiolus Bulbs
Once you have dug up the gladiolus bulbs, it is important to store them properly to prevent them from rotting or drying out.
Curing Gladiolus Corms
The first step in storing gladiolus bulbs is to cure them. This involves leaving them on top of the soil for two days to allow them to dry.
Transfer the bulbs to a cardboard box and place it in a warm, dry place with good air circulation. Keep the bulbs here for about two weeks to allow them to dry completely.
Separating the Corms
After the bulbs are dry, you can separate the parts of the corm. Gladiolus forms a new corm on top of last year’s old one. You can separate the two after drying, as well as removing the cormlets.
Discard the old corm and place the new corms and cormlets back into cardboard boxes. At this time, you can also cut the dead foliage off.
Protecting Against Rot and Disease
Before storing the gladiolus bulbs for the winter, it is important to inspect them for any signs of rot or disease. Throw away any bulbs that have soft spots or mushy places.
Dust the bulbs with an anti-fungal powder to help prevent rot.
Storing Gladiolus Over Winter
The key to storing gladiolus bulbs over winter is to mimic the environment they would experience in nature, only a little bit better.
Place the bulbs in single layers in cardboard boxes with newspaper in between the layers. You can also store them on screens or in onion bags.
Another option is to place the bulbs in a breathable bag, such as a paper bag, a cloth bag, or nylon pantyhose. This will allow the air to continue to circulate around the bulbs while they are being stored.
Keep the bulbs in a cool, dry spot just about freezing, or around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Many people choose to store their gladiolus bulbs in the vegetable bin in their refrigerator or in an attached garage. An unheated basement or enclosed porch is also ideal.
Spring Care
Once all chance of frost has passed, you can plant the gladiolus bulbs in your garden. Plant them about 4 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Water them well and keep the soil moist until the plants are established.
With proper care, your gladiolus bulbs will produce beautiful flowers year after year.