They are are easy to plant and grow, colourful and they are Gladiolus. Tall flowering bulbs that flower in summer these are a long time favourite in Australian gardens.
The tall flower spikes make them great cut flowers and in the garden they do make a great display. So we commonly call them Gladi’s, Sword Lily or Gladioli, and they were made famous by our own Gladi wielding comedian Barry (Edna Everage) Humphries.
These are a plant with variety, from flower form to colours, hybrids and species they are a worthwhile addition to any sunny garden. The ones we mostly see are the hybrids, however species such as Gladiolus colvillei rubra are worth seeking out.
How to Grow Gladiolus
Gladiolus prefer a warm well drained sunny position. A little blood and bone, some aged cow manure and a complete fertilizer should be worked well into the soil before planting bulbs or corms.
Water during the summer months but not over winter. These are plant that can reach over 1m in height and protection from strong winds is advisable.
The best time to plant gladioli bulbs is from late autumn though to spring.
How to Plant gladiolus bulbs
- Choose a sunny position with a well drained soil.
- Prepare the soil well by weeding, digging in some compost cow manure and blood and bone.
- Planting depth for the bulbs or corms is around 10 cm deep and 10 cm apart.
- Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Consider staking Gladioli or using a support ring.
- Water regularly during dry periods once signs of growth.
Fertilizing
If you dig in some well rotted compost and aged animal manure (cow or sheep) then you will find that gladioli require just a little extra each year.
We do use regular waterings of a liquid seaweed fertilizer as the plants begin to grow. After the season is over and we lift the corms, we usually dig in a little more compost, this seems to be enough fertilizer for our gladiolus.
Water well during the growing period, a good soaking 1 – 2 times a week until the flowers have died back.
Lifting Gladioli 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 undisturbed for a few years, just top dress with a complete fertilizer after removing old foliage.
Storage.
If you do lift the bulbs you will need to store them properly. Make sure that the bulbs are clean and dry before storing. Place then on racks in a cool dry position with good airflow.
Bulb Care.
Although they actually require little care although many gardeners will lift bulbs in autumn to winter and replant spring to prevent bulbs from rotting. This is very important in areas with wet winters and poor draining soils.
Many varieties 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.
Species Gladiolus.
Not the same great big colorful blooms that we are used to, but some very attractive flowers. Gladiolus nanus ( Queen Wilhelmina Gladiolus ), G. alatus, G. flanaganii, Gladiolus geardii, Gladiolus mureliae are a few to look for.
Propagating Gladioli Species and Cultivars
The two methods used to propagate gladiolus are by division and from seed.
Division is from cormlets, these are dug at the end of the growing season and they can be removed a replanted.
- Dig the parent plant once the foliage has died back.
- The large corms will flower the next season, the smaller ones may take a few years to flower.
- Clean the corms by brushing off the soil and allow them to dry before storing. Amid washing the soil off as the extra moisture can cause rot.
- Once the corms have dried store them in a cool, dark, dry position until the next spring when they are ready to replant.
Propagation of gladiolus from seed.
Gladioli are dived into two groups Winter and Summer rainfall
- Summer rainfall types – Seeds are sown in spring
- Winter rainfall types – Seeds are sown in Autumn
- Use 4 parts seed raising mix and 1 part propagation sand
- Surface sow
- Cover with a thin layer of horticultural grit
- Water lightly
- Germination can take from 3 – 10 weeks.
Planting out.
Nearly all Gladioli need a free draining soil. Some species such as Gladiolus tristis which will grow in very moist soil and Gladiolus papilio are exceptions to the rule.
In the garden hill up if needed or add some extra drainage martial, especially for the species.
In Containers
- 1 part potting mix
- 1 part pumice 1 -5 ml
- 1 part horticultual grit
- I part scoria or cause pumice. 10 – 15 ml.
Where To Buy Gladioli bulbs
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
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