When is the Best Time to Plant Caladium Bulbs?

After a long and chilly winter, the anticipation to revitalize our surroundings with vibrant plants and beautiful flowers is overwhelming. We all strive to transform our dull and lifeless landscapes into colorful havens of beauty and texture. The ideal way to infuse vivacity and luminosity into your gardens, porches, and patios is by incorporating caladiums. However, before you dive in, there are a few things you should know about these tropical wonders.

Caladiums: Not Your Average Spring Bulbs

Caladiums are not your typical spring bulbs and plants. Originating from the Amazon River basin, these tropical plants despise cold weather. So, what exactly is considered “cold” for a caladium? Anything below 65°F. Yes, even though temperatures in the 60s and 70s may sound warm after a freezing winter, to caladiums, it’s still too chilly.

Timing is Everything

When it comes to planting caladium bulbs, timing is crucial. If you plant them too early, when the ground is still cold from winter, the bulbs will go back into dormancy instead of sprouting. Think of it this way: if you can comfortably sit on the ground without feeling the cold, then it’s the right time to plant your bulbs.

Caladiums naturally go dormant during the cold fall months. This dormancy period is vital for their growth cycle. As spring temperatures warm up, the bulbs receive a signal to awaken from their slumber and embark on a new growth phase. However, placing them in cold soil with cool night temperatures confuses them, sending them back into dormancy and delaying the emergence of their stunning leaves.

To ensure successful growth, nighttime temperatures must consistently remain above 65°F when planting your bulbs. A night or two of warm weather here and there won’t suffice. Consistency is key.

The Consequences of Early Planting

What happens if you disregard the temperature guidelines and plant your bulbs too early? Here are a few potential consequences:

• The bulbs will take much longer to sprout.
• If the temperatures are too cold, the bulbs could be damaged and rot.
• Cold temperatures may cause the leaves to emerge stunted and small.

So, what should you do to ensure a thriving caladium garden?

Planting Recommendations

• Wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently 65°F or above before planting.
• If the temperatures are still too cool, open your boxes or bags of bulbs and store them in a warm environment (above 65°F) until it gets warmer.
• If you’re eager to get a head start, you can begin by planting your bulbs in pots indoors. Place them in a sunny window or on a heat mat. However, be cautious not to start this process too early. Remember, caladiums value their dormancy and might take a while to emerge if the temperatures are not optimal. Indoors, they may grow long and leggy as they reach for the light.
• Start your bulbs in pots that you can move outdoors during the day and bring inside or into the garage in the evenings until the nights become consistently warm.
• After planting, encourage growth by watering the bulbs with lukewarm water rather than cold groundwater.
• Some gardeners have found success by starting their bulbs in a plastic tub of peat moss with minimal moisture and a sealed lid. This environment creates a greenhouse effect, stimulating the bulbs to come out of dormancy. However, don’t leave them in the container for too long to avoid rotting. Once they start growing, transfer them to pots.

Remember, patience is key when growing caladiums. Rushing the process will only lead to frustration and disappointment. Waiting for the right temperatures will reward you with thriving bulbs that will outperform those planted too early.

The Advantage of Late Summer Planting

Contrary to popular belief, there is no deadline for planting caladiums. These bulbs can be planted at any time during the summer season. In fact, planting them later in the summer, after a long period of dormancy and with warmer temperatures, can result in quicker emergence and robust growth.

In regions with prolonged summers, you have the opportunity to enjoy a prolonged display of caladium beauty. Consider adding additional bulbs to your existing plantings in mid-summer. The new bulbs will emerge alongside the older ones and maintain their splendor until the cooler fall temperatures arrive.

Nurturing Your Caladiums

The summer elements can take a toll on your caladiums. From scorching sun to strong winds, rain showers to lawn mowers, these factors can leave the leaves looking tired and weathered. In such cases, it’s best to remove the worn-out leaves. Trim them at ground level and add a bit of fertilizer to the area. With nice and warm weather, the bulbs will often provide a second growth spurt. Be cautious when cutting caladiums, as the sap from the stems can irritate your skin.

Caladium Planting Reminders

To summarize, here are some essential reminders when planting caladiums:

• Wait until nighttime temperatures are consistently 65°F or above.
• Avoid excessive watering in the early stages after planting.
• Ensure the ground is warm to the touch before planting.
• Store the bulbs in a breathable container in an area above 65°F until planting.
• There is no deadline for planting caladiums. The bulbs can be planted all summer long.
• Late summer plantings will yield quicker emergence and a lasting display until early fall.

For more tips and answers to your caladium queries, visit the FAQ page on the Ames Farm Center website.

Before you embark on your caladium planting journey, remember to check the weather first. Happy planting!