When to plant Gladiolus in Stone County, MO
Stone County's spring Gladiolus window runs April 16 through May 7. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.
When to Plant Gladiolus in Stone County, MO
Top priorities for Stone County, Missouri gardeners in June
June is a pivotal month for Stone County, Missouri gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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It's harvest week for gladiolus
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Stone County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 1,310 feet, Stone County receives approximately 40.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Gladiolus during the growing season.
Stone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.5
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 Stone County
How your county's soil matches Gladiolus's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.5) overlaps with Gladiolus's range (6.0–6.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Stone County is excellent for Gladiolus — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Gladiolus.
How to Plant Gladiolus
Succession Planting Gladiolus
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 12 to harvest before frost.
Gladiolus Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Stone 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 — Stone County, MO
Gladiolus Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Bloom | June 25 | Jun 25 – Oct 29 |
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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Stone County
Growing Tips for Gladiolus in Stone County
Direct sow Gladiolus outdoors after April 16 in Stone County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Stone County, MO?
Stone County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Gladiolus planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stone County, MO?
Stone County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Gladiolus in Stone County, MO?
In Stone County, MO, plant Gladiolus after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stone County, MO for Gladiolus?
Stone County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Gladiolus grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Gladiolus grow in Stone County's climate?
Yes — Gladiolus grows well in Stone County's temperate climate. Stone County averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 20.
Your Stone County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stone County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.