Gladiolus, a showy summer flower is easy to grow
Published 10:19 am Sunday, April 12, 2020
- Gladiolus is a classic perennial known for its tall flower spikes and large, colorful blooms. A great cutting flower, gladioli look spectacular in summer bouquets.
From Old Farmers Almanac
Gladiolus is a classic perennial known for its tall flower spikes and large, colorful blooms. A great cutting flower, gladioli look spectacular in summer bouquets. Here’s how to grow gladioli in your garden.
WHEN TO PLANT
• Start planting gladiolus corms in the spring, once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 55°F (13°C).
• From your last frost date to early summer, plant another round of corms every 10 days or so. This will result in continuous blooms through early fall!
• Depending on the variety, it takes between 60 and 90 days from the time glads are planted for the corms to root, grow, and bloom.
CHOOSING AND PREPARING A PLANTING SITE
• For the best flowers, plant glads in full sun.
• Gladioli like well-drained soil that’s moderately fertile. They will not do well in heavy, soggy soil.
• Ready your garden by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to about 12 to 15 inches deep. After loosening the soil, mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost or aged manure.
HOW TO PLANT GLADIOLUS
• To ensure large-sized blooms, plant corms that are 1-1/4 inch or larger in diameter.
• Set the corm in the hole about 4 inches deep with the pointed end facing up. Cover with soil and press firmly.
• Space the corms 6 to 8 inches apart.
• If you grow gladioli primarily for cut flowers, plant them in rows. It’s easier to tend the plants and to harvest the flowers.
• If planted with other flowers in borders or annual beds, plant the corms in groups of 7 or more for the best effect.
• Water the corms thoroughly at planting.
• If you’re planting tall varieties, be sure to stake them at planting time. Be careful not to damage the corms with the stakes.
HOW TO GROW GLADIOLUS
• Put a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around your gladioli to keep your soil moist and help prevent weeds.
• If you get less than 1 inch of rain a week, water your plants regularly throughout the summer. Otherwise, water them moderately when in growth to keep the soil moist.
• Remove the faded/dead flowers to ensure continuous blooms. Once all the flowers on a stalk are gone, cut the stalk off at about 2 to 3 inches above the soil.
• Be sure to leave the plant intact so it can mature and grow the corms for the next season.
