| Is this plant a perennial? If yes, does it replicate itself abundantly? Will it survive an illinois winter of 0=15 degrees below? |
| The peacock orchid is related to the gladiolus, not orchids, and they are hardy only in zones 7-10 so you'll need to dig and store them for the winter months. In the spring, Corms should be planted three inches deep and six inches apart. This plant requires a long growing season (up to 20 weeks) and should be started indoors 1 month before the last frost in northern zones. Water regularly while in bloom and cover plants with mulch if frost arrives during flowering. In the fall, bulbs can be lifted, cleaned and stored in sand at 60? F for winter (zones 6 and north should always lift bulbs). Corms need to be dried quickly to avoid soft rot. The small bulblets that form around the main corm can also be separated and replanted. |
