How to Grow and Care for Gladiolus
Introduction
A classic cut flower,
gladiolus produces tall flower spikes adorned with large, showy flowers. Often relegated to the cutting garden, gladiolus also suits the back of the border where the tall flowers can complement bushier plants.
About gladiolus
Gladiolus are available with flowers in a huge range of colors, including apricot, blue, burgundy, pink, gold, red, orange, and white, as well as multicolored varieties. The plants bloom in midsummer; however, you can prolong the bloom period by choosing early, mid, and late season types and staggering planting times. Height ranges from 2 to 6 feet.
Special features of gladiolus
Good for cut flowers
Choosing a site to grow gladiolus
Select a site with full sun and well-drained soil that is sheltered from strong winds.
Planting Instructions
Plant gladiolus corms in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Prepare the garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. Dig a hole about 4 inches deep and set the corm in the hole with the pointed end facing up, cover it with soil, and press firmly. Space corms about 4 to 6 inches apart and water thoroughly. Stake tall varieties at planting time, being careful not to damage corms when installing stakes.
Ongoing Care
Apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around gladiolus to retain moisture and control weeds. Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Remove individual flowers as they fade, and cut back flower stalks once all flowers have gone by. Leave foliage intact to mature and rejuvenate the corm for next year. In zones 7 and 8, mulch beds with a layer of hay or straw for winter protection. In zones 7 and colder, corms should be dug before the first frost. Remove excess soil, cut the stalks to within an inch of the corms, and let them cure for 1 to 2 weeks in a warm, airy location. Then remove and discard the oldest bottom corms and store the large, new corms in plastic mesh bags in a well-ventilated, 35- to 45-degree F room. Replant in spring.
In colder areas, especially if you get a good layer of snow, some people have had luck leaving them in the ground for the winter if the corms are planted 6 inches deep and are protected with a thick layer of mulch in the fall. They should be planted in full sun in well-drained soil for this to have any success. They probably won't all make it, and they will become diminished over the years, but it's worth a try if you don't feel like digging and storing them.
