Planting & Growing Caladiums

Planting & Growing Caladiums
Good Days Caladiums!

How to plant Outside:

Since caladiums are summer bulbs, they should be planted outside when all chance of frost is over and the soil is about 65 degrees Fahrenheit, or warm to the touch. They produce best when they have an equal amount of shade and sunlight. The bulbs should be planted, with the eyes up, about 2 inches deep and about 6-8 inches apart from other bulbs. Be careful not to over-water, soil should be kept damp but not soaked. Once the leaves have spiked, feel free to fertilize with your normal fertilizer (like 6-6-6) no more than every six weeks - for best results. Caladiums make beautiful garden additions, ground covers, tree borders, sidewalk borders, and look great separately or with a mixture of reds, whites, and pinks.

How to plant Inside:

Plant the bulb, with the eyes up, in a pot (2-3 bulbs per 6 inch pot) about 2 inches deep in soil. They should not be kept in temperatures below 65 degrees, and should be exposed to at least some sunlight.

How to store your bulbs:

(This applies to colder areas – where the bulb may endure freezing temperatures). To keep bulbs from year to year it is best to dig them up after the first freeze – when the leaves get knocked down. Allow them to cure for about a week then store them in something ventilated like an onion sack and keep them above 65 degrees until it is time for planting again.

Caladiums are not limited to landscaping and pots.

They are beautiful as hanging arrangements and in planters.

They can also be used in “fresh cut arrangements” that will last for 2 to 3 weeks.