When To Plant Caladium Bulbs In South Louisiana
Dig in the fall before frost and allow to dry in a well ventilated but shady area.
When to plant caladium bulbs in south louisiana. You will find caladium bulbs at your local nurseries and garden centers. Caladium bulbs go dormant in the winter they like to take a nap. Hardiness zones 3 4 5 june 15. Planting caladiums is very easy.
When is the correct time to plant caladium bulbs. Caladiums are among the most reliable summer bedding plants for providing color in shady areas and even in sunny beds. April is a great time to plant them. But when to plant caladium bulbs varies depending on where you live.
In the deep south south of the i 10 corridor usually heavy mulching 3 6 will allow the bulbs to survive the winter. Do a search using the words caladium bulbs for sale. They are remarkably free from major insect or disease. Let me know if you have any questions.
Wait until soil temperature reaches at least 70 degrees. How to plant caladiums. Tender flower garden bulbs elephant ears caladiums gladioli cannas and dahlias are planted in the spring once the threat of cold has ceased and the ground has. Native to tropical south america caladiums caladiums x hortulanum grow from tubers and thrive in the heat and humidity of our long summers.
Caladiums are also available from mail order nurseries on the internet. Though they re sometimes called bulbs they are really tubers plant tubers point side up about 1 to 1 1 2 inches deep. Hardiness zone 6 june 1. Fertilize every six weeks with a 6 6 6 type fertilizer or slow release type fertilizer.
Hardiness zone 7 may 1. While northern states typically plant their hardy bulbs in september or october here in the south planting can be extended well into november and even december. Hardiness zone 8 april 15. They stay attractive despite the intense heat of summer and are rarely bothered by insects or disease.
If the soil is sandy mix in some peat moss to improve moisture retention. When the temps go below 60 and stay there say the onset of fall winter harvest the bulbs leaves. By the beginning of october however caladiums reach the end of their growing season and decline in appearance. Can caladium bulbs tubers be saved from year to year.
Buy potted caladiums ready to plant or grow them from tubers. Dig and divide louisiana irises acanthus easter lilies and calla lilies this month and in september. Click here for information on growing caladiums in louisiana. Hardiness zones 9 10 march 15.
Mulch around the planting and keep moist throughout the season. Space them 8 to 14 inches apart depending on the ultimate size of your plants as listed on the tag. Plant caladium tubers or started plants in shady areas this month. The list below outlines the proper time for planting caladiums based on usda hardiness zones.