Caladiums for Sale from K. van Bourgondien
Unique and vibrant gardens start with top varieties and quality tubers, bulbs and bareroots. K. van Bourgondien has a long history of offering high-quality products at a fair price--and our caladium bulbs for sale feature a variety of colorful choices. The brightly colored, intricately veined and variegated foliage is sure to brighten shade gardens and container plantings. You can count on us to deliver top-quality caladium bulbs to your door.
Choosing the Right Caladiums
When selecting caladium bulbs, keep three things in mind:
- Caladiums are tender tubers, meaning they don't like the cold weather. Wait to plant them until all chance of spring frost has passed.
- Caladiums are shade plants. Direct and prolonged sunlight can scorch their leaves. Some caladium varieties will tolerate some direct sunlight, while others prefer lots of shade. When considering varieties, take into account their light requirements.
- They like well-drained soil. If planting in containers, make sure the containers have adequate drainage holes. If planting into the ground, make sure the soil drains well.
When selecting caladiums, consider how you want to use them. Caladiums look great in mixed containers and mixed perennial beds. They can also be planted under trees and between shrubs. Some gardeners plant several of the same variety for a swath of color.
Caladium Bulbs: Getting the Most out of Your Purchase
Caladiums are tender perennials. This means that in most parts of the country, they can't be overwintered outdoors. Gardeners living in zones 8 and north will have to lift the tubers in the fall, store them indoors in the winter and plant them again in the spring. Another option is to plant caladiums in containers and bring the containers indoors during cooler weather. Caladiums grow nicely indoors and are gorgeous houseplants.
When to Plant Caladium Bulbs
Because they're tender perennials, caladium bulbs should not be planted directly into the ground until after the danger of spring frost has passed. If you live in a more northern region, you can start the bulbs indoors about six weeks before the last frost date and transplant them into the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
Where to Plant Caladium Bulbs
Caladium are shade perennials, meaning many varieties don't like prolonged direct sunlight, and most don't do well in direct afternoon sun. Caladiums grow well both in the shade garden and in patio pots and window boxes. They grow best in well-drained soil.
How to Plant Caladium Bulbs
Caladium bulbs can be started indoors in either flats or individual pots. Plant about 1" deep in damp peat moss or vermiculite, and space about 3" apart. Water well and keep in a very warm area. Transplant outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm.
If planting caladium bulbs outdoors, make sure the ground is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Plant caladium bulbs 1" deep and about 10" apart.
How Long Does it Take Caladium Bulbs to Sprout?
Your caladium bulbs can begin sprouting in as little as two weeks--or they may take up to 10 weeks. Because they are tropical plants, caladiums sprout faster if kept in very warm conditions.
How to Care for Caladiums
After planting your caladiums, water regularly but don't over water. Caladiums are heavy feeders and should be fertilized. We recommend
Van Bourgondien 100% Natural Perennial Food.
Because they are not winter hardy, caladium tubers should be dug up in the fall and stored indoors over winter in zones 3-8. If grown in containers, caladium plants can be brought indoors and grown as a houseplant over winter.
