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When to plant Gladiolus in Monroe County, AR

Monroe County gardeners should plant Gladiolus between March 14 and April 4 in spring. With Monroe County's Zone 8a climate (last frost March 14), Gladiolus needs 70–100 days to mature — plant by August 5 for a full harvest.

When to Plant Gladiolus in Monroe County, AR

Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.) produce tall, stately spikes of trumpet-shaped blooms in a rich array of colors, making them one of the most popular cut flowers in the world. Each spike carries 12–20 florets that open in succession from bottom to top over 7–10 days. By planting corms every two weeks from last frost through early summer, gardeners create a continuous succession of fresh blooms from midsummer through fall. Corms multiply each season — a single planting becomes a growing collection over the years. Ideal for back-of- border planting, cutting gardens, and mixed summer containers.

Monroe County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 1,042 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Gladiolus during the growing season.

Bulb Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Monroe County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Monroe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Gladiolus Planting Timeline — Monroe County, AR

Gladiolus Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Direct Sow March 14 Mar 14 – Apr 4
Bloom May 23 May 23 – Oct 24

Plant 5" deep · 5" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May Bloom
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

70–100 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

244 days in Monroe County

Growing Tips for Monroe County

Plant corms 4–6 inches deep, pointed end up, as soon as soil reaches 60°F after last frost. Space 4–6 inches apart; rows 12 inches apart. Stake or grow through a support grid — tall varieties reach 4–5 feet and tip in wind. Begin succession plantings every 2 weeks through early July for continuous bloom. Water deeply once a week; mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Cut spikes for vases when the lowest floret just begins to open. After first killing frost (in cold zones), dig corms, let dry for 3–4 weeks in a ventilated spot, remove cormels, and store in mesh bags at 35–50°F. In zones 7b–8a, corms sometimes survive mild winters in ground with heavy mulch; in zones 8b+, in-ground overwintering is reliable.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Gladiolus in Monroe County, AR?

Monroe County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Gladiolus planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monroe County, AR?

Monroe County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Gladiolus in Monroe County, AR?

In Monroe County, AR, plant Gladiolus after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Monroe County, AR for Gladiolus?

Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Gladiolus grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Gladiolus grow in Monroe County's climate?

Yes — Gladiolus grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 244-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 13.

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A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Monroe County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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