Late planting summer bulbs?

Question

I bought some bulbs from a school fundraiser and forgot about them and then haven't found time to plant them yet. Gladiulus and Giant Dahlias.

I know it is late to get them going this year, but maybe I can plant them and hope for the best for next year.

Any advice as to how I should treat them this year for best results next year? I live in southwestern Ontario - zone 6. Heavy clay soil but I can plant them in a pot or amend the soil.

Thank you,

Joanne

Answer 1

Summer bulbs in your zone will have to be lifted when cold weather comes--late September or (at the latest) Mid-October. They won't winter over in Zone 6. You can plant them any time from April to July and they will still have enough time to bloom. If you want, however, you can simply store them in a cool, dark place without a lot of moisture (in a bag of peat moss is good in a basement.)