How To Grow Gladiolus For Added Color To Your Garden

The gladiolus (Gladiolus x hortulanus) has been cultivated and loved since early times, but today’s range of color, size, and forms has far outclassed its early beginnings. These flowers make stunning bouquets. Wouldn’t you love to know how to grow gladiolus?

Gladiolus varieties and hybrids

Gladiolus is a member of a huge family of colorful and richly flowering varieties and hybrids. Most of the over 200 species come from South Africa, although some of the smaller flowering varieties come from around the Mediterranean, especially the eastern area.

Here’s a beautiful Mediterranean-style garden.

Legends tell us of the important role that the Gladiolus played in ancient feasts and ceremonies, and wall paintings of this historic plant were found in the ruins of Pompeii.

How To Grow Gladiolus

The bulbs of the Gladiolus are called corms and are usually slightly flattened and covered with a mesh-like membrane.

The sword-like leaves have led to the plant’s Latin name since the word ‘Gladiolus’ means “little sword.”

The trumpet-shaped flowers are clear and intensely colored. Modern Gladioli produce stems up to 5 feet tall, each bearing 25 or more florets (12-14 opening at one time). Miniature varieties grow to 3 feet and produce spikes of 15-20 flowers.

Plant Gladiolus corms in the spring. You can purchase them at the garden center or by mail order. Smaller corms are cheaper than large ones, but they will produce smaller flower spikes.

The seasons of the Gladiolus

In November – Inspect the corms to see if they are shriveling from too much heat or developing rot from being kept too damp and cool.

May through June – Dust the corms with a fungicide, and plant the corms after all danger of frost has passed and the ground has warmed.

Choose a sunny location with rich, well-drained soil. Set each corm at 4-5 times the depth of its height and 4-6 inches apart.

July through August – Give plenty of water in this growth period and add a weak liquid fertilizer every second or third time it is watered. It may be necessary to support the plants with bamboo canes.

Cut spikes when the lowest flower begins to open.

September through October – Dig the corms when the foliage yellows and dries. Cut the tops off just above the corm.

Burn or discard the dried tops in trash containers, and dry the corms in a shady, well-ventilated place. Dust the corms with a fungicide and store them in a dark place at 40-50 F.

Gladiolus Pests and Diseases

• Small, black patches on the corms are dry rot – use fungicide!
• Gray, furry patches on corms are gray mold. If the attack is too bad, throw the corms away.
• Clear, dark, or lighter stripes on the leaves in the summer are a sign of a virus attack. Once again, out with them! (But not on the compost heap.)
• Pale patches on the leaves. This means thrips (the most serious problem in Midwest gardens). Fight them with a chemical insecticide. Many sprays at frequent intervals will be needed.

Gladiolus plants usually last about 3-5 years. Eventually, either the corms will expire or the flowers will be discolored. If you live in an area where winter comes early, you might have trouble growing gladiolus.

Beautiful Gladiolus Flower Pictures

Today, Gladiolus is available in a wide range of colors and heights. Here’s just a small sampling for your delight.

I love this orange gladiolus. It makes my front door a happy place.

What a pretty pink color!

Nature is such a good artist! Just look at their brightly colored red and yellow flowers!

Plant a few in your garden and enjoy the show!

Pin To Save For Later