Best Time To Plant Caladium Bulbs
Though they re sometimes called bulbs they are really tubers plant tubers point side up about 1 to 1 1 2 inches deep.
Best time to plant caladium bulbs. If you are in usda hardiness zones 9 or higher you can leave your caladium bulbs in the ground year round as they can survive the winters in these areas once established. In cooler climates you can give your caladiums a head start by sprouting the tubers indoors 4 6 weeks before planting time. Next water the plants frequently so that the soil stays moist but not soggy. A bit of bone meal would make your caladiums happy.
Space them 8 to 14 inches apart depending on the ultimate size of your plants as listed on the tag. Planting and growing our classic caladium bulbs is a breeze. If the tubers are planted into cold soil they will not grow and may rot. When you plant caladiums you should plant them about 4 to 6 inches 10 to 15 cm deep and 4 to 6 inches 10 to 15 cm apart.
If you re growing caladiums indoors keep them in a warm room with plenty of light until outside temperatures are warm enough to transplant. Your bulbs should be planted deep enough to cover them with 1 to 2 of soil. If you live in zones 8 or less you will need to spend some time around the time of first frost digging caladiums up and store them for the winter. Wait to plant your caladiums until the nights are warm and soil temperatures are at least 65ºf.
How to plant caladiums. Buy potted caladiums ready to plant or grow them from tubers. Plant the tubers shallowly in pots or seedling flats.