The classic summer bulb is a colorful addition to any garden.
A member of theIridaceaefamily, plants in the genusGladiolusalso go by the names flag flower and sword lily.
Evenbalcony gardenscan accommodate a dozen gladiolus corms in a container.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Plant gladiolus corms in the gaps where you’ve removed faded spring vegetables like peas and lettuce.
Gladiolus is mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and livestock.
Soil
Any well-draining soil is fine for growing gladiolus bulbs.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Water
After the initial planting, water well.
Then, water gladiolus weekly.
Gladioli bloom from July until frost.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Fertilizer
Fertilize newly emerged gladioli shoots with a balanced,10-10-10 liquid fertilizer.
Types of Gladiolus
Pruning
Pinch back dead flowers after they wither.
Potting and Repotting Gladiolus
Gladiolus grows well in containers.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Repot the gladioli when the corms begin to crowd each other.
Overwintering
Gladiolus flowers may perennialize inzone 8and warmer, but most gardeners treat them as annuals.
When the first frost strikes, you’re able to dig your glad bulbs for winter storage.
The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky
Dry them for a few weeks and store them in a cool, dry place.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Thripssometimes bother gladiolus plants.
You may not see the tiny winged insects, but youll notice brown foliage tips and flecked foliage.
Treat thrips withinsecticidal soap.
The blooms will last until the first frost and can come back year after year.
you might extend the bloom by planting a succession of corms every few weeks in the spring.
What Do Gladiolus Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Gladiolus flowers bloom in red, pink, yellow, purple, green, orange, and white.
This will help form foliage, which will bring more blooms.
Gladiolus flowers do come back to bloom every year and will slowly spread if well-maintained and cared for.
Planting several gladioli will have your garden bursting with beautiful blooms come early summer.
Plant them behind medium to tall plants that will come into bloom when the glads are finished, likezinniasordahlias.
Gladiolus Diseases.Penn State Extension.
