When to Dig Gladiolas to Overwinter Indoors

Don’ t rush to cut back those gladiolus leaves. As long as they’re green, they’re producing energy to form large productive corms for next year’s garden.

Gardeners in zones 7 to 10 can leave their glads in the ground over winter. Some gardeners find digging the corms each year improves flowering.  In colder regions, most glads must be dug and stored indoors for winter.

Cut the leaves to the ground or carefully dig the corms for winter storage once the leaves have yellowed and turned brown. Only save damage-free, disease-free corms from healthy plants.

Shake off excess soil and cut the tops back to 1 to 2 inches above the corm and cure for 2 to 3 weeks in a warm 80- to 85-degree location. Store cured corms in an open paper bag, mesh bag or paper boxes in a cool, 35- to 40-degree, dark location.

A bit more information: Remove the old shriveled corms before storing glads for winter. Be sure to label them to avoid unwanted surprises when designing and planting next year’s garden.

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bulbs flowers-ornamental-grasses maintenance gladiolus

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