Gladioli Bulbs and Flowers

Gladioli Bulbs or corms, and gladiolus plant profile, cultural notes and growing tips. Specialist gladioli species and cultivar. Gladioli make a fantastic cut flower and are easy to grow in the home garden. Species gladioli are also available from specialist nurseries.

Growing Gladioli

Gladioli prefer a warm well grained sunny position. A little blood and bone and a complete fertilizer should be worked well into the soil before planting bulbs or corms.

Water gladioli during the summer months but not over winter.

Lifting Bulbs
Many people lift gladiolus bulbs over winter, and for many reasons this is the right thing to do in terms of disease, bulb rot in wet periods and also flower production. However do not let this stop you, they may be left undisturded for a few years, just top dress with a complete fertilizer after removing old foliage. Gladioli make great cut flowers.

Gladioli Bulb Care.

Gladioli require little care although many gardeners will lift bulbs in autumn to winter and replant spring to prevent bulbs from rotting. Many are tall growing, and with such heavy flowers can tend to fall over in windy conditions, especially if damp. Choose a spot that is protected from strong winds, and consider 'plant hoops' to protect blooms.

Planting Gladioli Bulbs.

Gladioli bulbs ( corms) can be planted from early spring through to summer. (successive plantings will give successive flowers) Plant bulbs 10cm deep.

Species Gladiolus.

Not the same great big colorful blooms that we are used to, but some very attractive flowers. Gladiolus nanus ( Queen Wilhelmina Gladiolus ), Gladiolus alatus, Gladiolus flanaganii, Gladiolus geardii, Gladiolus mureliae are a few to look for.

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