[Use Less]

I planted about 50 glads relatively late, in early or mid-July. They flowered over a number of weeks. The last bloom stalks came up just a couple weeks ago. Some of those buds didn't open at all, others just a little, and look spotty and crinkly. What is that about? Online instructions say to dig and dry for storage 4-6 weeks after blooming, but that would mean I should have dug some over a month ago, and others not till November. Not practical for many reasons. Do I just dig and trim back all now?

 

[Dixie Bee Acres]

As long as you dig them before a hard freeze, they should be ok.

 

[Danaus29]

Dead and/or spotty shriveled flowers might be thrips:
http://www.oldhousegardens.com/thrips.asp

I've left bulbs in the ground and they came back just fine. I even had a few survive a thorough tilling. Mulch well to prevent frost heave. If you want to dig them the best time is when the foliage has died but before the leaves fall off. That way you can find the bulbs and you know they are dormant.