sum-up
Gladiolus , with their vibrant hues and baronial spires , are acaptivating additionto any garden . As weakened flowers , they take a touch of elegance and drama to bouquets and arrangements . Growing gladiolus specifically for cut flower requires deliberate planning and attending to particular . This comprehensive template will allow for you with theessential stepsand proficiency to cultivate splendid gladiolus blooms that will grace your vases for weeks to add up .
Site Selection and Preparation
Gladiolus fly high in full sunshine and well - drained soil . Choose a localisation with at least six hours ofdirect sunlightper daylight . The soil should be promiscuous and fat , with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 . Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility .
Planting Gladiolus Corms
Gladiolus are planted from corm , which are small , rotund structuresthat resemble onions . establish the corms in the leaping , as soon as the grunge has warm to at least 55 ° F ( 13 ° C ) . Dig a hole about 6inches deepand space the corms 4 - 6 inches apart . Plant the corms with thepointed endup and cover them with grease .
Watering and Fertilizing
Water thegladiolus plants on a regular basis , specially during hot , dry conditions . Avoid overwatering , as this can lead tocorm rot . Fertilize the flora every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer .
Supporting the Plants
Gladiolus works can grow quite improbable , peculiarly thetaller varieties . To forestall them from toppling over , furnish supportby adventure them or tying them to a trellis .
Pest and Disease Control
Gladiolus are susceptible to a few common pest and disease . Aphids , thrips , andspider mitescan overrun the plants , while fungal disease such as botrytis andfusarium wiltcan do wrong . Monitor theplants regularlyfor signs of pest or disease and process them promptly with appropriate pesticide or antifungal agent .
Harvesting Gladiolus for Cut Flowers
sword lily are ready to harvest forcut flowerswhen the bottom two or three florets on the spike are receptive . contract the stems with asharp knifeor shear , impart a few foliage at the base of the plant .
Postharvest Care
To extend the vase life of your gladiolus undercut efflorescence , hit any foliation that will be below the water note in the vase . Place the stems in avase filledwithfresh waterand add afloral preservative . Keep the heyday in a coolheaded , shaded location .
Growing Gladiolus for Specific Cut Flower Needs
For Long - Stemmed Flowers : opt varieties such as ‘ King ’s Lynn ’ or ‘ Purple Flora ‘ thatproduce long , solid root word . ForEarly Blooms : Plant early - flower assortment such as ‘ Early nance ‘ or ‘ Blushing Bride ’ for blooms in late fountain or early summertime . For Late heyday : Plant late - bloom varieties such as ‘ Autumn Queen ‘ or ‘ Black Beauty ’ for flower inlate summeror early dusk . For a Variety of Colors : Gladiolus come in a wide cooking stove of colors , include white , pinkish , red , orangish , yellow , and purple . Select varieties that complement each other to create vibrant and eye - hitch bouquets .
Tips for Success
FAQs
Q : When is the best sentence to plant gladiolus corms?A : constitute the corms in the leaping , as presently as the soil has warm up to at least 55 ° F ( 13 ° C).Q : How deep should I plant the corms?A : Plant the corm about 6 inches deep . Q : How far asunder should I space the corms?A : Space the corm 4 - 6 column inch apart . Q : How often should I irrigate the gladiolus plants?A : piddle theplants regularly , especially during hot , dry weather condition . Q : How can I prevent thegladiolus plantsfrom toppling over?A : abide the industrial plant with stake or a treillage .
