You are here:

Annuals/gladiolus

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/18/2009


Question
can they be left in the ground for the winter? and if not
can i store them in the refrigerator for the winter in a
plasic bag?

Answer
Gladiolus -- officially -- are hardy to around zone 8.  But there's that list of exceptions that allow many people in zone 7 or even 6 to keep them in the ground all winter and still have flowers every year, which makes them then perennial and not exactly the forum for annual plants.

But here we are, so we'll continue.

Planting them deep and locating them near heat-retaining rocks or foundations boosts your odds of deja vu for these popular summer blooms.  Southern locations help, too; Northern locations hurt.

You have not supplied your location.  If you want to give me your zipcode, I'll confirm your zone.

As for the plastic bag storage, absolutely positively do NOT put these in any plastic bags.  Tubers and bulbs need air.  Plastic bags are good at keeping air out (to retain freshness and moisture).  You'll doom them if you put them in plastic.

No refrigerator needed, either.  Just keep them cool, and dry, and dark.  Unlike dahlias, which need a modicum of moisture to keep from drying out, Gladiolus are able to seal in their own moisture and get through the dormant downtime by staying dry and dark.

Give me your zipcode and we'll pick up from there.

THE LONG ISLAND GARDENER

Annuals

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Decisions, decisions... If you can't make up your mind which Annuals to grow, you're not alone. Problem with your new flowering Annuals flats? I`ve been there, done that. Petunias, Sweet Alyssum, Larkspur, Marine Blue Lobelia -- they all grow here at my house on Garden Street on Long Island, N.Y.. Cutting and Cottage Gardens, Sun and Shade Gardens, White Gardens and Night Gardens, I`ve done them all. Annuals are the perfect summer flower, bursting with color June through fall's first frost. I can`t speak on Cactus or tender Tropical Plants -- they don`t grow outside in my Zone 7. I`m no Farmer, so I cannot guide you on Fruits and Vegetables. But whether it`s an Annual you want to start from seed, mail-order or pick up at your local garden center, I can help you grow amazing blooms this Summer. Yes, together, we can turn your neighbors green with envy.

Experience

I have a lifetime of gardening behind me here on the North Shore of Long Island. While I have degrees in related fields, there's nothing like hands-on work to build real knowledge. I stay on top of current science -- there's a boom in research, and Kingdom Plantae is filled with surprises. By the way, I really do live on Garden Street.

Publications
Gannett newspapers, The New York Times, and hundreds of others - but not on Annuals.

Education/Credentials
B.A., botany; graduate credits in European Intellectual History and Political Science; minor coursework in related fields, docent training at our local botanical gardens (required for volunteers). I'm currently working on an advanced biochemistry degree.

Awards and Honors
I could tell you, but then you'd know who I am.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.