A perennial flowering plant of the Iridaceae family, Gladiolus is one of the most familiar species. Read more about Gladioli bulbs.
This plant is called a gladiolus because it is the diminutive of the Latin word “gladius,” which translates into “sword.” I believe its appearance is perfect for the name. Gladiolus or sword lilies are also common names for this flower.
The colors and varieties of Gladioli blooms are why they are some of the most popular summer flowers in gardens. In the garden, species typically exceed five feet in height (150 cm), while the wild varieties are a little bigger, reaching a maximum height of 11 to twenty inches (30-50 cm).
Are gladioli spreadable?
Leaving Gladioli in the ground and under the right climate conditions may enable them to spread independently. However, this is essentially a function of the environment. As a result, plants frequently require assistance in expanding to larger areas.
Since gladioli are very sensitive to frosts, they are often grown as annuals, even though they are perennial plants that can survive years when established. Thus, Gladioli spread by multiplying, and understanding that is necessary to understand this phenomenon further.
What are the ways Gladioli multiply?
Gladiolus reproduces through corms, which are like bulbs. Also Known as cormels, these corms are flat in shape, covered with scale leaves, and can hold tiny corms inside. This smaller corm will grow without producing flowers in its first year when planted. However, when they reach maturity, they are likely to start creating their cormels in the second year and flowering plants during the third year.
Are Gladiolus’s chances of surviving winter good?
Gladiolus grows best by themselves when they are free of frost, as I mentioned earlier. However, gladioli bulbs cannot handle what tulip bulbs do when it comes to cold temperatures. Gladioli can withstand freezing temperatures for a short time, but they are not likely to survive extended periods of cold weather.
There is a possibility that Gladioli can overwinter outside and spread on their own for many years in certain climates. Nevertheless, it is not feasible in many regions.
There are also differences in the cold tolerance among different varieties of Gladiolus. There is an apparent difference in the resistance of the smaller types to lower temperatures compared to the larger ones due to their nature. The corms can be at risk of rot, fungal problems, and other diseases when left in the ground during Winters without Frost but with Heavy Rain.
Getting Gladiolus to Propagate
By digging out the corms in late fall and keeping them out of the frost-free for the winter, you can make sure that you can enjoy these plants again next year. After the frost has passed, we recommend that you plant them in your garden again in early spring.
It usually takes from late March to late May for Gladiolus corms to bloom outside, but this can change from region to region. When planting corms, the soil should be about 4 inches (10 cm) deep, and the distance between each corm should be approximately 7-11 inches (20-30 cm). Sandy loam soil contains sufficient drainage, which makes Gladioli grow best. Adding compost will improve the drainage of water and enhance the soil’s fertility.
Caring for Gladiolus
Position
The sun is essential for establishing strong stems and flowering prolifically. Due to their tall height, it is best to plant them in a place where strong winds will not blow them over.
Soil
The soil they grow is not very important to them, but having wet feet for long periods bothers them. Using organic matter to enrich the soil – well-rotted manure or compost is ideal – will help prevent it from becoming stagnant. Also, avoid damp spots and plant in soils that drain well.
Fertilizer
As the corm nourishes the flowers, little fertilizer is required to grow them. They feed the plants with a complete fertilizer about a month before flowering will grow strong and produce vibrant blooms. If your plants are blooming, provide them a soluble fertilizer like Yates Thrive Flower & Fruit twice weekly while they are in full color.
Water
When they bloom in summer, gladdies will require weekly watering, but to keep these plants healthy during a heatwave may need even more attention. Having a good, deep watering rather than a light sprinkling will be more effective. In addition, the plants can be allowed to dry out a bit more after the flowers have died.
Care
The traditional gardening practice recommends digging up the corms at the end of the season to store them; however, you can get years of flowers from them without any extra care if you live in mild climates. When you dig up the corms after the leaves have yellowed and died back, you’ll probably get better results, even if you live in a frost-prone zone. You can replant them in the following year after they have been washed, dried, and stored.
Pests
A central garden pest, thrips, can be problematic when plants are blooming. Their eating can sometimes prevent the flower from opening because they eat their way into the developing buds. Be on the lookout for these tiny insects, then spray with an insecticide.
When do Do Gladiolus Corms need to Be Dug Up?
Most gladiolus lovers dig up the bulbs too early, which is one of the biggest mistakes they make ad it should be avoided at any cost. It is best to remove the corms of gladioli only at the end of the year after the full foliage of the plant has died (not wilted, but thoroughly dried). A few days after the first frost is generally a good time to do so.
The bulb will be damaged and vulnerable to rot if the dried stalks are removed at this time. Dig up the gladiolus corms gently, leaving the dried stalks attached. The tiny cormels should also not be separated from the primary bulbs yet.
In a space protected from moisture, store the bulbs and their connected leaves between 68-86°F after removing any soil leftovers. The dead foliage should only be removed, and the corms should be separated from the smaller corms once the corms are completely dry.
Conclusion
In the right climate conditions, gladiolus bulbs can spread and expand by themselves and grow without human intervention. In fact, these requirements are often not met since you must dig up the corms before frost and replant them in the spring unless you keep the gladioli indoors.
