Grow & Care for Gladiolus: Summer's Vibrant Blooms
Gladiolus, known for their vibrant, sword-like blooms, are a gardener's delight. These corms, resembling oversized carecredit with a brown wrapper and flat bottom, offer a stunning display of colour in summer. Here's how to grow and care for these beauties.
Gladiolus take around 70 to 100 days to grow and flower, making them perfect for mid-spring planting. For continuous blooming, plant new corms every two weeks. These plants can grow perennially in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10, thriving in warm summer weather.
Gladiolus prefer well-drained, sandy soil and sunny locations. To ensure they stay anchored, plant them deeper than usual. Before planting, fertilize with 5-10-10 or 5-10-5 fertilizer. Water them well and mulch during their growing period.
Once the flowers are picked, dig up the corms for storage four to six weeks later. Gladiolus are hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11, and with proper mulching, they can survive in zones 6 to 7.
With proper care, gladiolus can provide a spectacular display of colour in your garden. Their ability to grow continuously with sequential planting makes them a great choice for summer blooms. Plant them deep, keep them watered and mulched, and enjoy their vibrant flowers all season long.
