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Is it possible to leave gladiolus bulbs in the ground over the winter: a risky experiment or a smart decision
02.12.2024 01:20
The issue of wintering gladiolus bulbs in open ground causes a lot of controversy among flower growers.
Conventional gardening recommends digging up bulbs for the winter, but there are conditions under which plants can successfully overwinter in the soil.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti" - a scientist agronomist and landscape designer, told how to do the right thing.
Natural characteristics of gladioli
Gladioli are heat-loving plants, whose homeland is considered to be the southern regions.
The bulbs can withstand short-term frosts, but prolonged exposure to low temperatures has a detrimental effect on their viability.
Climate conditions for wintering
Leaving gladiolus bulbs in the ground is only permissible in regions with mild winters, where the soil temperature does not drop below minus five degrees.
Preparing the soil for winter
Proper preparation of the site plays a key role in the successful wintering of bulbs. The soil must be well-drained.
Stagnant moisture becomes the main cause of plant death in winter.
Methods of protecting bulbs
Covering the corms requires special attention. A 20-25 cm thick layer of mulch from fallen leaves, straw or peat provides reliable protection from freezing. Non-woven material or spruce branches serve as additional cover.
Risks of winter storage in the ground
Leaving the bulbs in the ground is associated with certain risks. In addition to freezing, the plants are susceptible to fungal diseases. Rodents also pose a serious threat to overwintering corms.
Spring care for overwintered plants
Gladioli left in the soil for the winter require special attention in the spring. After the snow melts, it is necessary to gradually remove the covering material. It is important to treat the plants with fungicides in a timely manner to prevent diseases.
Alternative storage methods
If there are no suitable conditions for wintering in the ground, it is recommended to dig up the bulbs. Storing in a cool, dry room at a temperature of 5-10 degrees allows you to preserve the planting material until the next season.
Signs of proper overwintering
Successfully overwintered bulbs produce friendly, strong shoots in the spring. The plants are distinguished by a healthy appearance and rich foliage color. The timely emergence of sprouts indicates the viability of the corms after wintering.
For reference
Gladiolus is a genus of perennial bulbous plants of the Iridaceae family. The Latin (and Russian too) name comes from the Latin gladius - "sword" and is associated with the fact that the leaves of the gladiolus are shaped like swords.
