Gladiolus are sun worshipers and unfortunately are not very hardy. If you leave the bulbs in the ground in autumn, the plants will usually not grow again next year because the small bulbs will freeze. However, not everyone has the opportunity to overwinter the gladiolus bulbs in a cool, frost-free place or in the cellar. Here it is advisable to plant winter-hardy gladioli that are less sensitive to frost and can remain in the bed even in the cold season.
Can gladioli be overwintered outside?
To overwinter gladioli outside, winter-hardy varieties should be used. However, these require protection from the cold through air-permeable materials, such as twigs, leaves or loose compost. In rough areas, digging and storing is also recommended.
Frost-resistant gladioli
These varieties usually have slightly smaller flowers than the well-known cultivated gladioli. But this is what makes the winter-hardy varieties so special, as they look great in natural gardens. They bloom a little earlier than gladioli planted in spring. If you plant both hardy and cultivated gladiolus, you can extend the length without having to plant gladiolus bulbs in the ground at different times.
Winter protection necessary
Even frost-resistant gladioli that overwinter outdoors need sufficient protection from the cold. Since the cover remains on the ground for weeks or even months, it is important that the protective coat allows enough air to pass through. Lack of oxygen inevitably leads to rot, which can extend into the roots.
A not-too-thin blanket made of: is well suited
- Twigs
- Leaves
- loosely piled, not yet completely rotted compost
Tip
In harsh areas, it is advisable to get the frost-resistant varieties out of the ground and overwinter in a suitable place like normal cultivated gladioli. The room should be as cool as possible so that the gladioli do not sprout prematurely.
