When to dig up gladioli bulbs, storage times and rules, preparation for winter

Gladioli are a popular garden plant that is often grown in summer cottages. It is used to decorate flower beds and mixborders. In order for the plant to grow normally and enjoy lush flowering, it needs to be properly cared for. Novice gardeners are often interested in digging up garden gladioli. Experts advise carrying out this procedure in the fall.

When to dig up gladioli for the winter?

In what month is it recommended to dig up the plant? Bulbous crops should be removed from the ground after the flowering period has ended. Therefore, the optimal time for harvesting gladioli is autumn. However, a specific period must be chosen taking into account the climatic conditions of the region.

It is recommended to choose the optimal period for digging. If you remove the bulbs too early, the plant may not germinate next season, or there will be problems with its flowering. This is due to the fact that the tubers did not have time to gain strength for wintering and flowering. If you keep gladioli in the ground for too long, they will freeze. In such a situation, there is a risk of plant death.

To calculate the optimal period for digging up a crop, you should pay attention to the condition of the above-ground part of the plant. It should turn completely yellow and dry. A change in leaf color indicates that the flower does not produce chlorophyll. This means that he has stopped his development.

The exact harvesting period depends on climate and weather. Typically, autumn cleaning is carried out 30-50 days after flowering has completed. In this case, it is worth taking into account regional characteristics. In the south, where there is no frost, there is no need to dig up the bulbs.

In Siberia, only early varieties of gladioli are grown. In this case, the bulbs do not have time to ripen. Therefore, they are dug up immediately after flowering and placed in pots with soil for a month. The middle zone is characterized by a temperate climate. In such conditions, gladioli need to be dug up in the second half of September.

How to properly remove bulbs?

Before digging up the plant with pruning shears or garden shears, you need to trim the stem and foliage. It is recommended to leave small stumps.To dig up a plant, it is recommended to stick a pitchfork into the soil and carefully lift the lump of earth with the bulbs.

Then they need to be placed on film, and the bulbs and children should be removed from the dried soil. The roots need to be cut off from them. After collecting the tubers, diseased specimens will have to be discarded.

How to prepare gladioli bulbs for winter storage?

Before harvesting for storage, it is recommended to disinfect the bulbs. This will help avoid the development of dangerous diseases and preserve planting material until spring.

Processing the bulbs after digging

The main danger to bulbs is rot. To avoid its occurrence, when preparing for winter, planting material should be disinfected. To begin with, it is recommended to rinse it in running water, and then soak it in a solution of Fundazol or Fitosporin.

Drying bulbs

After disinfection, the bulbs and children should be dried. To do this, it is recommended to keep them in a room with a temperature of +29-34 degrees for 2 weeks. For the last 2-3 days, the bulbs are dried at a temperature of +35-38 degrees. It is advisable to use a fan.

Ways to store bulbs in winter

It is best to store bulbs in a basement or cellar. They are also allowed to be kept in a city apartment. However, it is important to provide the plant with suitable conditions.

In the basement or cellar

When storing tubers in the basement, they should be placed away from vegetables and fruits. It is best to place the bulbs in a container with a mesh bottom. This will ensure adequate ventilation and fresh air flow. During wintering, it is worth constantly removing spoiled and diseased specimens.

You should not place a box with planting material on the floor - it is much better to use a shelf or rack for this purpose.

In the apartment

Before storing the bulbs for storage, they must be disinfected.After this, you need to choose the right place for the tubers. It is best to keep the plant in the refrigerator or on the balcony. In this case, you will have to ensure a constant flow of fresh air.

When storing bulbs at home, they can be taken out into the stairwell. In winter, the temperature remains quite cool there. There are also several non-standard methods suitable for an apartment:

• in the bathroom, near pipes with cold water - in this case, the plant needs protection from moisture;
• between window frames - this can be done if non-plastic windows are installed;
• in an unheated pantry - it is important to ensure optimal temperature conditions.

On the balcony

Bulbs are often stored on the balcony. It is important to monitor temperature indicators. If they are below normal, it is recommended to cover the boxes with tubers with a blanket or use other materials. This is not required on insulated loggias. At the same time, the temperature regime will still have to be controlled so that the tubers do not die or germinate.

On the balcony, planting material should be kept in a foam box. At the same time, it must have holes for the flow of fresh air. To monitor normal temperature readings, you should definitely install a thermometer above the box. During frosty periods, the container should be insulated.

Cold storage

Gladioli bulbs overwinter well in the refrigerator. This option is suitable for a small number of tubers. It is important to take into account that moisture can accumulate in the refrigerator. Therefore, it is recommended to wrap each onion in paper. Planting material should be kept on the lowest shelf.

At the end of February or beginning of March, it is recommended to remove the gladioli and dry them. It is during this period that they absorb the maximum amount of moisture. After drying, the tubers should be wrapped again in paper and placed on a shelf with a low temperature. However, it should not be negative. Otherwise, the gladioli will freeze and will not germinate.

Possible complications

To avoid negative consequences, it is necessary to inspect the planting material once a month. The development of complications is indicated by the following problems:

1. The formation of gray mold is caused by high humidity. In such a situation, it is recommended to dry the tubers and wrap them in new paper.
2. Thrips attacks - in case of pest attacks, it is recommended to remove the affected tubers. The remaining bulbs should be treated with Hom. If suitable means are not available, the bulbs should be placed in an airtight container and cotton wool soaked in alcohol should be placed in it. This will lead to the death of the pests. Then the tubers need to be dried. The procedure is carried out at intervals of 4 days.

Results of proper storage

If you follow the storage rules, you will be able to obtain high-quality planting material. When planted in the ground, it will germinate and delight you with rapid growth and abundant flowering. To achieve good results, it is necessary to systematically inspect the tubers and remove rotten specimens.

Digging and storing gladioli has a number of features. To achieve success in growing crops, it is important to provide the plant with optimal conditions in the winter season. In this case, it is necessary to systematically inspect the tubers and get rid of damaged bulbs.