Caladiums for Sale from K. van Bourgondien
Unique and vibrant gardens start with top varieties and quality tubers, bulbs and bareroots. K. van Bourgondien has a long history of offering high-quality products at a fair price—and our caladium bulbs for sale feature a variety of colorful choices. The brightly colored, intricately veined and variegated foliage is sure to brighten
shade gardens and
container plantings. You can count on us to deliver top-quality caladium bulbs to your door.
How to Grow Caladium Bulbs
When growing caladium bulbs, keep three things in mind:
- Caladiums are tender tubers, meaning they don't like the cold weather. Wait to plant them until all chance of spring frost has passed. In most parts of the country, they can't be overwintered outdoors. Gardeners living in zones 3-8 will have to lift the tubers in the fall, store their caladium bulbs indoors in the winter and plant them again in the spring.
- Caladiums are shade plants. Direct and prolonged sunlight can scorch their leaves. Some caladium varieties will tolerate some direct sunlight, while others prefer lots of shade. When considering varieties, take into account their light requirements.
- Caladium plants like well-drained soil. If planting in containers, make sure the containers have adequate drainage holes. If planting into the ground, make sure the soil drains well.
Caladiums look great in mixed containers and mixed perennial beds. They can also be planted under trees and between shrubs. Some gardeners plant several of the same variety for a swath of color. You can also plant caladiums in containers and bring the containers indoors during cooler weather. Caladiums grow nicely indoors and are gorgeous houseplants.
For more information on caladiums, read our
Planting and Growing Caladiums blog.
When to Plant Caladium Bulbs
Because they're tender perennials, caladium bulbs should not be planted directly into the ground until after the danger of spring frost has passed. If you live in a more northern region, you can start the bulbs indoors about six weeks before the last frost date and transplant them into the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
Where to Plant Caladium Bulbs
Caladium are shade perennials, meaning many varieties don't like prolonged direct sunlight, and most don't do well in direct afternoon sun. Caladiums grow well both in the shade garden and in patio pots and window boxes. They grow best in well-drained soil.
How to Plant Caladium Bulbs
Caladium bulbs can be started indoors in either flats or individual pots. Plant about 1" deep in damp peat moss or vermiculite, and space about 3" apart. Water well and keep in a very warm area. Transplant outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm.
If planting caladium bulbs outdoors, make sure the ground is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Plant caladium bulbs 1" deep and about 10" apart.
How Long Does it Take Caladium Bulbs to Sprout?
Your caladium bulbs can begin sprouting in as little as two weeks—or they may take up to 10 weeks. Because they are tropical plants, caladiums sprout faster if kept in very warm conditions.
How Do You Care for Caladium Bulbs?
After planting your caladium bulbs, water regularly but don't over water. Caladiums are heavy feeders and should be fertilized. We recommend
Van Bourgondien 100% Natural Perennial Food.
How Do You Store Caladium Bulbs?
Because they are not winter hardy, caladium tubers should be dug up in the fall and stored indoors over winter in zones 3-8. If grown in containers, caladium plants can be brought indoors and grown as a houseplant over winter.
Caladium bulbs should be stored somewhere that keeps them cool and dry. You can place them in a basement, garage or other locations in the house as long as the temperature remains around 60°F.