When to plant Gladiolus in Dukes County, MA
Plant Gladiolus in Dukes County after April 25; the prime window is April 25–May 16.
When to Plant Gladiolus in Dukes County, MA
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.
Dukes County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 676 feet, Dukes County receives approximately 48.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Gladiolus during the growing season.
Dukes County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.5
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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dukes County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Gladiolus Planting Timeline — Dukes County, MA
Gladiolus Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Bloom | July 4 | Jul 4 – Nov 21 |
Plant 5" deep · 5" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Dukes County
Growing Tips for Dukes 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 Dukes County, MA?
Dukes County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Gladiolus planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dukes County, MA?
Dukes County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 19.
When should I plant Gladiolus in Dukes County, MA?
In Dukes County, MA, plant Gladiolus after the last frost (around April 25) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dukes County, MA for Gladiolus?
Dukes 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 Dukes County's climate?
Yes — Gladiolus grows well in Dukes County's temperate climate. Dukes County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 25 and first frost around October 19.
Your Dukes County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dukes 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.