Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 2/11/2004

Question
I live in NJ (07457). I would like to know if you can start glads indoors and move them outside in Spring.  Also how do you know which way the flowers will face when bloomed?  I need to plant in a row along my property line and would like the blooms to face my yard not the neighbors.  Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Barbara

Answer
Around last week of April dig a 6" deep hole and plant them with the tip of the corms facing up. Then water well. The glads should flower by end of July.

The flowers will the side of the most sunlight. If your property is to the north of the property line (e.g. corms planted on the south side of your house facing the neighbors to the south of you) the flowers will face the neighbors. If the glads are planted around a northern facing property line (e.g. neighbors are located to the north of you, and you are on their south side) then the flowers will face you.

Glads looks great in round circles (groups) of 3,5, or 7 corms. Generally, glads do not look great in a straight line. I prefer to plant them in small groups spaced a few feet apart.

You can start glads indoors in shallow pans 3-4 weeks before planting out. Cover with 1" of well draining seed starting mixture and grow at room temperature or slightly cooler.Keep soil slightly moist, but not soaked. do not allow to dry out.

When transplanting outdoors, cover with soil if the sprouts are less than 6" in height. If the sprout is very large, leave the portion above 6" out of the ground. If you pre-sprout glads, do not be in a too much of a hurry to plant outdoors as, while the glad corms can withstand mild frost, the tender sprouts can be damaged.

e.g. starting glads indoors April 1st and plant outdoors early to mid may. You can also wait to last week of april and direct plant.