We may earn taxation from the product available on this page and participate in affiliate program . Learn More ›
In This Article
Gladiolus plant turn a Greco-Roman garden blossom that makes a beautiful , showy addition to any garden . From brilliant sundown colors to deep , velvety purple , gladiolus flower look stunning in floral organisation , but they also have prominent benefit for garden ascompanion plant . The flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds , butterflies , and other pollinator , so they are a welcome sight in any garden . They ’re also cervid - resistant and bloom endlessly from midsummer through the last rime of fall . Caring for gladiolus requires a few stairs , but the efflorescence are well deserving the feat .
Growing Gladiolus at a Glance
Common Name : Gladiolus , gladiola , blade lilyScientific Name : Gladiolus spp . Hardiness Zone : 7 to 10 ( down to 5 or 6 if dig out up in winter)Soil : Loamy , arenaceous , quick - draining soilLight : Full sunWater : RegularFood : At planting and during meter of growthPropagation : corm ( division)Safety : Toxic to dogs , cats , and sawhorse
GladiolusCharacteristics
Gladioli are also known as sword lilies because of their large , steel - same blades . Though some miniature varieties can arise as downcast as 1½ to 2 feet , most gladiolus species reach heights between 4 and 5 feet tall . Gladiolus efflorescence average from 2 to 4 inches in diameter , with gargantuan hybrids getting blooms as big as 5 inches . Flowers take form on long capitulum that typically produce 2 to 3 feet , take in excellentcut flowers .
“ Gladiolus flowers are celebrated for their striking visual aspect and the rich symbolism they carry , ” says Juan Palacio , CEO ofBloomsyBox , an online floral delivery service . “ Traditionally , these flowers represent strength of character , serious-mindedness , and love . Their vertical blossom can also signify reaching towards one ’s full potency , making them a meaningful addition to any garden or bouquet , ” he says .
RecommendedGladiolusVarieties
From velvety redness to pristine whites , gladiolus flowers come in a wide range of gloss . Hybrids include small , intermediate , large , and giant . “ Typical ” garden gladioli hang into the medium to large range .
PlantingGladiolus
Gladioli thrive in well - draining , slightlysandy soiland grow better in full sun , though some form are more tolerant of partial shadiness .
When is the best time to plant gladiolus?
Gladiolus bulb should beplanted in early fountain , usually 2 week before the last ask frost date in give . Depending on theUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone , this could be anywhere from late February to early May . Many gardeners plant gladioli on a regular basis every 10 to 14 sidereal day beginning in late springtime through early summer to insure the peak keep coming through the fall .
Where can gladiolus grow?
In Zone 7 and up , gladiolus is a perennial lightbulb ( corm ) . Those who live in colder geographical zone can dig up and lay in the bulb over winter and replant them each class . Some gardener in Zones 5 and 6 may be able to mulch enough to winter corms in the priming , but it is mostly recommended to lift them in the spill . Plant gladiolus in full sun , though some varieties can brook partial Dominicus . Most maturate to be at least 2 feet high , so take this into account when arrange heyday bed .
How do you plant gladiolus?
The sizing of the electric-light bulb will determine the depth at which to establish the corm . by and large speak , when planting gladiolus bulbs , shoot for for a profundity of two to three times the size of the bulb ( measuring from the base of the bulb ) . Space bulbs at least 6 inches apart and row 2 to 3 feet apart . Many gardeners opt to plant bulb every 10 to 14 days from the date of the last frost up until the source of summertime to have uninterrupted blooms throughout summertime and fall .
Can you grow gladiolus in containers?
sword lily can be grown in containers . Ideally , opt for pocket-sized or medium - sizing gladioli that will grow between 2 and 3 fundament grandiloquent . improve the entire container of soil with plant food before planting , and fertilize again throughout the growing season as the soil in container leaches food faster than in the ground . Keep the soil well water , opting for regular deep watering rather than everyday unaccented water .
Watering Gladiolus
Gladiolus care throughout the spring and summer requires that the plants meet regular water system . take aim for 1 in of water per workweek rather than light daily watering . If there areperiods of heat and ironical weather condition , increase watering , but be careful not to allow the undercoat to remain soggy . This will rot the bulbs .
Fertilizing Gladiolus
Growing glad successfully requires fertilizing . Before planting , add a rich compost to the land and work it at least 12 inches deep . This will break down slowly and feed the corms as the plant is developing . Do this before the last freeze escort , as soon as the reason is practicable . At the time of planting , use a chondritic electric light fertiliser such as bone meal or anall - use 10 - 10 - 10 . Work the fertilizer directly into the soil where the bulbs will be planted . Once a gladiolus plant has reach at least 10 inch gamy , add a water - soluble fertilizer .
“ As the gladiolus embark on to bloom , a balanced fertilizer can promote healthy growth and vivacious flowers , ” allege Palacio . “ pick out a fertilizer Sir David Low in nitrogen and in high spirits in K and phosphorus , applying it harmonise to the package instructions to support the development of strong blooms . ”
If the gladiolus bulbs will be leave in the ground over winter , fertilize again in the fall with a bulb fertilizer or bone meal wreak into the soil in the planting area around the bulbs .
Photo: istockphoto.com
Pruning Gladiolus
Care of gladiolus requires no pruning during the grow time of year , but once flush start to fade , swipe them off allows the plant to give its get-up-and-go to Modern and subsist buds . Once most of the heyday on a chaff have bloomed out , these can be prune back with sharp pruning shears or scissor hold . Cut at an slant at the radical of where the flower stalks have spud .
“ For those wishing to extend the beauty of gladiolus indoors , cut them for flowered musical arrangement is a delightful pick , ” Palacio say . “ sheer the stems early in the morning when the lowest flowers on the ear begin to open , and immediately place them in body of water . Withproper care , including changing the body of water every few days and trimming the stem turn , cut corpus sternum can last up to 2 hebdomad in a vase . ”
PropagatingGladiolus
Gladiolus arise from a corm , a case of bulb that is technically a squat underground root that stores food for the plant . One of the growing stages of corpus sternum is for cormels to form . These are baby plants produced from the mother corm . Cormels can be divided from female parent corms and grown into individual plant life . In areas with mild winters where corms do n’t require to be lifted from the ground , allow the gladiolus electric light to raise , and separate in early spring . If plants must be removed from the ground and overwintered , they can be stored and replanted in the saltation .
Safety Considerations
corpus sternum are toxic to dogs , quat , and horses . The corms have the highest toxicity . Symptoms let in sluggishness , drooling , regurgitation , and diarrhoea . If inadvertent ingestion is suspected , pet owners should contact their veterinarian immediately .
Potential Pests and Diseases
sword lily are susceptible to thrip , aphids , mealybug , and spider tinge , as well as diseases from rust , crown rot , Botrytis , and mosaic virus . To check pest during the growing season , use piddle or a soft soap nebulizer . However , do n’t treat gladioli once the blooms are opening because this will damage the flowers . If fungus or thrips , in particular , are persistent , look at treating the corms with insecticide or fungicide in the fall ( countermand from the background and computer memory for the winter ) .
Overwintering Gladiolus
Gladiolus winter care for gardeners living in Zones 8 to 10 is generally lowly effort . Simply exit gladiolus electric-light bulb in the earth with a heavylayer of mulch , and the gladiolus will bring back as perennials . gardener in dispirited zona ( especially Zones 5 and 6 ) will need to lift bulb from the ground and salt away them indoors for the winter . Those in Zone 7 often can go forth the light bulb ; they might require to experiment , since hardiness can depend on sun photograph and soil warmth .
When is the best time to bring gladiolus indoors?
Regardless of whether you contrive to leave behind sword lily in the ground over winter or arise them for storage , it is crucial to countenance them to shrink naturally in the fall rather than pruning them back . This lets the plant take in as much energy as potential and store it in the corms for the wintertime , result in a more racy plant in the spring . When it’stime to plant surrender bulbs , remove the gladiolus bulbs at the same time .
How do you overwinter gladiolus?
If leaving gladiolus in the ground ( typically Zones 7 to 10 ):
If lifting from the flat coat ( typically Zones 6 and below ):
Looking for more flowers that sandbag in the garden and in flower arrangements ? see out our guides on growinggeranium , calla lilies , andzinnias .
Photo: istockphoto.com
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll help you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your patio , a raised bed , or an in - flat coat plot out back — and choose the right plant life for your territory and region .
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
Photo: istockphoto.com
