gladiolus: when to plant 'em in Portland?

13 years ago

Every year I've lost glads to rot when I let them overwinter in the ground. Last year I dug dug 'em all, and stored them properly (no evidence of overwintering thrips, etc). Now they are starting to sprout, even in the dark.

I'm wondering when I can get them into the ground. We've had a cool, wet spring...with still more rain in to come, near as I can tell. Soil is cold and very wet. When can the bulbs go back into the ground without danger of rot?

Thanks, as always.

klew

Comments (3)

PRO
George Three LLC
13 years ago
where exactly do you live? i've never had problems with glads. but i am on top of sandy silty soil (columbia river deposit, same soil as troutdale which was a center for commercial glad production).

you might want to try amending with quarter 10 and compost if you think drainage is an issue? not sure if thats good soil science... but i've been following that recipe on my lawn, and its working for me. (my lot was leveled with crappy clay fill, lawn area does not drain like rest of property)
Embothrium
13 years ago
You probably lost them to frost.

Plant a succession from April to June for a succession of bloom.

Dig in fall and store indoors.
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PRO
George Three LLC
13 years ago
i'll also add that i have about 6 inches of straw over my beds in the frost season as well.