when would be a good time to take up flower bulbs,(gladiolas,peoines) and should they be stored over winter and replanted in the spring, i live in the south centeral usa?
2006-10-06 02:09:25 · 4 answers · asked by chuck s 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
I don't think you ever have to take up peony, in the U.S. In fact just the opposite. They have such fragile root systems that you might destroy the plant in the process.
As for Gladiolus, I think they are hardy (in some cases) to USDA zone 6. I live in Zone 5 (southern Michigan) and some of my Gladiolus come back (2 years and running!). You probably don't have to lift them either. If you want to lift them, to separate the corum (bulb-like structure), do that as they are going dormant.
Honestly though... I would look at the value of the Gladiolus vs. the amount of time and effort involved. Even if they all died (due to winter conditions), would it be worth it to dig them, dry them and store them... then replant them? It might be easier, just to buy them new, and install new ones.
I hope that this helps
Good luck-
2006-10-06 04:15:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
How far south? Alabama and Georgia - you probably don't have to remove them at all. Oddly enough, daffodils and tulips might need to be removed and put into the fridge to force them into dormancy for the spring - as the climate in the coastal areas isn't cold enough.
If you're further north, the best way to store any bulbs is to put them in untreated wood shavings. Mulch works. Put all that into a paper bag and store it in the bottom of the fridge, or in a cool dark corner of the basement.
2006-10-06 03:14:19 · answer #2 · answered by itsnotarealname 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't move peonies or you will have no blooms. Only move glads when the flower size or lack of flowers due to overcrowding indicates a need for dividing.
Dig glads in the fall after the foliage has died down or after a frost period of several days has occurred.
2006-10-09 08:02:45 · answer #3 · answered by Donald W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Peony you do not take up its not a bulb and its hardy in all states.
gladiolas should be dug up before the first frost. Now is a good time. they come up easy just shake the dirt off and store in a paper bag. In a cool dry area. replant in the spring.,
2006-10-06 05:00:56 · answer #4 · answered by cin_ann_43 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋