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When to Plant Gladiolus in Uintah County, UT

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.

Uintah County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.

At an elevation of 6,372 feet, Uintah County receives approximately 12.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Gladiolus during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Gladiolus successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Bulb Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Uintah County, UT (Zone 5b) Short season
147 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
147 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4

Uintah County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.8

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 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Uintah County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Gladiolus Planting Timeline — Uintah County, UT

Gladiolus Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 17 May 17 – May 31
Direct Sow May 17 May 17 – Jun 7
Bloom August 9 Aug 9 – Nov 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Direct Sow
July
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

147 days in Uintah County

Growing Tips for Uintah 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Gladiolus in Uintah County, UT?

Uintah County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Gladiolus planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Uintah County, UT?

Uintah County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 4.

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Your Uintah County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Uintah County (Zone 5b). 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 Uintah County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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