Planting your Caladiums

When to Plant Your Caladiums

Plant your Caladiums in the spring, after the last frost. Make sure the temperature outside is consistently over 60°F and the soil temperature is at least 65°F. If it’s too early to plant your Caladiums or you live in colder climates, start your Caladiums in a warm, moist, but not soggy place indoors.

Where to Plant Your Caladiums

Caladiums can be grown in both containers with bright indirect sunlight and landscapes in partial shade.

How to Plant Your Caladiums

Instead of a shovel, we recommend using a Bulb Auger to plant your Caladiums 1.5-2” below the soil surface and 8-10" apart, or two bulbs per square foot. For jumbo-size bulbs, use one per square foot.

Caring for your Caladiums

How much sun, water, fertilizer?
Classic Caladiums are sun tolerant but generally require more watering the longer they’re in sunlight. Your soil should be moist but not soggy. Water your caladiums in the early morning or late afternoon, and fertilize your Caladiums with a little bone meal once a month.

What zone can they grow in? 

Caladiums can grow in zones 3 through 8 as an annual, in zones 9-11 they can live as a perennial. Potted Caladiums can be brought inside for the winter, or cold nights.

Are they annuals or perennials?

They're perennials, which means they come back every year in warmer climates, bringing color to your garden again and again! Many growers in the cooler zones treat them as annuals.

How fast do they grow?

Caladiums grow fast, especially if they get enough sunlight and water. You might see them popping up in just a few weeks after planting!

What height and width can they get to?

These colorful plants can grow about 1 to 2 feet tall and spread out around 1 to 1.5 feet wide, making them perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden or patio!