How To Properly Plant Caladium Bulbs
She says caladiums that are planted when nights are cool are very slow to germinate even if you are having 80 degree day time temperatures.
How to properly plant caladium bulbs. Your bulbs should be planted. Caladium bulbs are sold in various size grades based on the diameter of the bulb. Of course this is up to the individual and will not adversely affect the overall growth of your caladiums. Caladium bulbs need a rest during every winter.
Hardiness zone 6 june 1. Though they will grow no matter which way you orient them planting with the top side up will provide you with the shortest sprouting time and the happiest plant. Store the bulbs in a dry warm place at around 10c 50f to 15c 60f below this the bulbs will get damaged. While caladium bulbs will grow no matter which way they re facing they do have a top and bottom.
They can be planted directly in the garden. How to choose and grow red caladiums. Hardiness zones 9 10 march 15. Lift the bulbs roots and all into a box or take the potted plants from your garden to store them undercover over winter.
Caladiums should be kept moist during germination without allowing the soil to become soggy. To make it easier for these smaller buds to grow after planting caladium bulbs many gardeners find it helpful to lift out the large bud with a knife. After all danger of frost is over plant caladium bulbs in the garden covering them with about 1 inch of soil. How to store caladium bulbs over winter.
Generally the larger the bulb you purchase the better the performance as the bulb is the source of energy reserve for the plant therefore the larger the bulb the larger the energy reserve thus the opportunity for better performance. But when to plant caladium bulbs varies depending on where you live. To keep them blooming fertilize your caladiums once per month during the growing season with a 5 10 10 fertilizer. How to plant and care for caladium bulbs.
The buds may be difficult to see. Hardiness zone 7 may 1. Find the buds by running your fingers over each side of the tuber to locate the small pointed projections that form the buds of the new stems. Cool nights and excessive moisture can cause a bulb to.
Planting caladium bulbs takes little effort. Proper watering is important to healthy caladium plants. Plant your bulbs about two to four inches deep with one and a half to two inches of cover soil. Plant bulbs in spring.
Hardiness zones 3 4 5 june 15. Next water the plants frequently so that the soil stays moist but not soggy. The list below outlines the proper time for planting caladiums based on usda hardiness zones. Although some gardeners prefer to buy new bulbs each year proper storage of bulbs is an economical way to provide the beauty of caladiums to your landscape.
Depending on the size of the bulb bigger bulbs produce more foliage plant caladium bulbs anywhere from four to 12 inches apart. To grow caladiums plant the tubers in a moist shady location at least 6 to 8 inches apart in well draining soil. Place the tuber with the bumpy bud side up. Caladium bulbs have a rather smooth bottom side and knobby these are actually the eyes or growing points top side.
Plant right side up.