Gladiolus, also known as Sword Lily, is a stunning perennial flower that blooms in the summer. The name is actually derived from the Latin word for sword, ‘gladius’. The many varieties of Gladioli come in all sorts of colors, bright and soft. You’ll find them with single color, bi-color, and even tri-color petals. They look amazing planted in groups, and will definitely impress in any garden.
When to Plant Gladiolus Bulbs
Planting Steps
Before planting, inspect the bulbs you have to ensure they look healthy and are free of disease or pests. Toss out any bulbs that are soft or damaged. To plant your healthy gladiolus bulbs, follow these steps:
- Dig a small hole about 4 inches deep into the soil.
- Place one bulb, pointed side up, into the hole.
- Fill in the hole with the soil you removed.
- Repeat this process until all your bulbs are planted, making sure to space the bulbs 6 to 8 inches apart.
- Water the soil thoroughly after the gladiolus bulbs are planted.
- Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch over the planted bulbs to help keep moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
How To Care For Gladiolus Throughout the Season
Growth Habit: Gladiolus have narrow, sword-like leaves and tall flower stalks. The flower stalks can grow 2 to 4 feet tall while only spreading 1 foot wide.
Staking: Gladiolus flower stalks need to be staked, caged or supported so they don't flop over, or become deformed and curved due to summer storms.
Planting gladiolus in groups in the garden or next to tall bushy plants is another way to keep them growing upright without producing crooked flower stalks.
Watering: Keep gladiolus plants well watered with at least 1 inch of water a week. This amount may have to increase during periods of drought or if you're growing in raised beds.
Fertilizing: Add compost to the soil before planting gladiolus. Add an organic, water-soluble fertilizer when the plants are 10 inches tall, and again when the flowers start to show color.
Trimming & Pruning: Gladiolus are either grown as a cut flower for indoor arrangements, or as an annual flower in the garden. They don't require trimming or pruning.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are bigger gladiolus corms better than smaller ones?
Larger corms grow taller plants and flower spikes and produce more flowers than smaller corms. The size of the corm is one thing that influences the price, but eventually those smaller corms will grow, so the difference is negligible after the first year or two.
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What are the gladiolus pollinators?
Initially, almost all gladiolus pollination occurred thanks to long-tongued bees, but with time came changes, and most gladiola are now pollinated by hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, and bees.