caladium bulbs

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andreajm Ottawa, KS May 09, 2001

Would someone please tell me about how long it takes caladium bulbs to sprout? I planted mine about 3 weeks ago and haven't seen anything yet.......
Thanks, everybody!
Andrea

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Terry Murfreesboro, TN(Zone 7a) May 09, 2001

Andrea, you're in zone 5/6, which may or may not still be a little cool yet - I haven't checked Kansas' weather in a while.

Air temps aren't as important as soil temps for sprouting caladiums - they like nice warm soil (which means they don't want to face brisk winds and frost when they emerge, so air temps DO play a role in their overall health.) Depth of planting will also play an important factor as to how long they take to start showing up.

If in doubt, or you get really impatient, try to gently dig around the bulbs, and check out what's going on underneath the soil. If they're putting on roots and the shoots are starting to bud upwards, leave 'em alone, and they should be popping their heads up any day.

If not, the soil may still be a little cool for them, and you should gently feel around the bulb to make sure it's not getting "mushy"....bad sign.

For future years, try potting up your caladiums inside about 3-4 weeks before you plan to set them out. That way, they'll be well on their way to a beautiful display of leaves by the time you're ready to set them out, and you won't forget where you planted them (which I've done!) And And it's a lot cheaper than buying the pre-sprouted bulbs....they are pretty expensive compared to buying bulbs.

Post #73589
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justmeLisa Brewers, KY(Zone 6b) May 09, 2001

go vols, excellent info you gave! Down here in the south we don't plant cal. bulbs until May. They just love heat! They will not sprout until the soil is warm. Your bulbs are most likely fine, unless you have had lots of rain, which they could rot, but I doubt it...hope this also helps! LIsa

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