When to plant Gladiolus in Union County County,
Gladiolus planted in Union County County between April 11 and May 2 matures in 100 days — well before the October 23 first frost.
When to Plant Gladiolus in Union County, GA
Your June game plan for Union County, Georgia
Your Union County, Georgia garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Basket week: gladiolus
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: gladiolus
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.
Union County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 175 feet, Union County receives approximately 61.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Gladiolus during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Gladiolus, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Gladiolus root diseases.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Gladiolus Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Union County
How your county's soil matches Gladiolus's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.2) overlaps with Gladiolus's range (6.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Union County is excellent for Gladiolus — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Gladiolus.
How to Plant Gladiolus
Succession Planting Gladiolus
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 15 to harvest before frost.
Gladiolus Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Gladiolus
Gladiolus needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Gladiolus Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Union County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Gladiolus Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Gladiolus Planting Timeline — Union County, GA
Gladiolus Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Bloom | June 20 | Jun 20 – Nov 7 |
Plant 5" deep · 5" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Gladiolus in Union County
Direct sow Gladiolus outdoors after April 11 in Union County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Union County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Gladiolus. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Gladiolus in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Gladiolus in Union County, GA?
Union County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Gladiolus planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, GA?
Union County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 23.
When should I plant Gladiolus in Union County, ?
In Union County, , plant Gladiolus after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Union County, for Gladiolus?
Union County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Gladiolus grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Gladiolus grow in Union County's climate?
Yes — Gladiolus grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 195-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 23.
Your Union County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Union County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.