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Growing Gladioli
(Page 3 of 3)

This article was provided by Jennifer Moore
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Watering of gladioli is necessary to do on a regular basis since the bulbs are trying to produce a large flower as well as produce strong roots. Fertilizing of glads is advantageous, as this produces a healthy flower stalk and gives the corm the needed strength to build enough energy to produce another flower the following year. A higher second and third number, such as 5-10-10 fertilizer applied every 4-6 weeks works best. For continuous bloom in the garden, plant every 7-10 days until 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost.

When the flower stalk has finished blooming, it is still required to water and fertilize the corm. Allow the leaves to mature and die down on their own, do not cut them off, as doing so will achieve a small corm, producing either a small flower or none at all the following year. Leave the corms in the ground with their remaining leaves until a heavy frost is predicted. This is the time to remove the corms from the soil to be over-wintered indoors.

It is not necessary to throw out the corms in the fall, as most can be over-wintered until planting next spring. After lifting the corms, allow them to dry out for 10-14 days. Then peel off the dry husks to reveal any possible insect damage. Any old or damaged corms are discarded and the remaining are allowed to dry 3-5 days longer. Any small corms or cormlets should be left on the mother corm until planting the following spring. It will take anywhere from 2-5 years for these cormlets to produce a flower. Dust the corms with a insecticide/fungicide dust before storing in a cool, dry, dark place. I leave approximately 1/2-1 inch of the remaining stalk on the corm until I plant the following spring, and check periodically to remove any bad corms.

Gladioli are suitable for rock gardens and borders with the taller varieties planted at the back. They will be gracing our tables soon as cut flowers, yet even the novice gardener or children can have great delight in these very easy plants. Once hooked on how easy they truly are, I'm sure to see more in gardens everywhere.

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