Grow and Care for Gladiolus: A Comprehensive Guide
Gladiolus, known for their stunning spikes of flowers, require careful attention for a successful bloom. Here's a guide to help you grow and care for these beauties.
Gladiolus plants take around 70 to 100 days to grow and flower. The ideal time to plant them is in midspring, with new plantings every two weeks until mid-July. They thrive in well-drained, sandy soil and sunny locations. To anchor them against strong winds, plant the corms deeper than usual.
Before planting, fertilize the corms with a 5-10-10 or 5-10-5 fertilizer. Gladiolus corms should be dug up for storage four to six weeks after the flowers are picked. Store them in a dry, dark, cool place to prevent mildew growth and protect them from mice.
Gladiolus plants are suitable for cut flowers and prefer warm summer weather. They grow well in sequence by planting corms every few weeks. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged by watering well and mulching during the growing period.
While gladiolus plants are only completely hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 to 11, they can be grown in zones 6 to 7 with proper protection, such as mulching. With the right care, these plants can add a vibrant touch to any garden.
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