When to plant Gladiolus in Franklin County, KS
Aim to plant Gladiolus in Franklin County on or after April 12; the window stays open through May 3. Franklin County's 196-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.
When to Plant Gladiolus in Franklin County, KS
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.
Franklin County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 834 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 24.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Gladiolus during the growing season.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Franklin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Gladiolus Planting Timeline — Franklin County, KS
Gladiolus Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Bloom | June 28 | Jun 28 – Oct 18 |
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 | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Franklin 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Gladiolus in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Gladiolus in Franklin County, KS?
Franklin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Gladiolus planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, KS?
Franklin County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Gladiolus in Franklin County, KS?
In Franklin County, KS, plant Gladiolus after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Franklin County, KS for Gladiolus?
Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Gladiolus grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Gladiolus grow in Franklin County's climate?
Yes — Gladiolus grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 25.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.