Gladioli Growing Guide
Gladioli (Gladiolus), also known as 'Sword Lilies', or 'Gladys', are a stunning Summer flowering variety that produces tall slender stems ranging from 80 – 120 cm high.
Hybridizing over the past decade has given us a huge array of striking colour combinations, which make a real statement in the garden!
All Bulbs Direct's Gladioli are grown, processed, graded and cured to export quality.
Gladioli Bulbs are available from August and can be planted right through to December.
Gladioli can be timed to flower any time during summer simply by planting about 90 days before you require them to be in flower, but avoid planting until the danger of frosts have passed. You can also use this timing to create a long lasting display with stagger planting.
- Plant in full sun and in well-drained soil, if soil is heavy mound it up so that excess water will run off from around the area were the corm has been planted.
- Ideally, loosen the soil to a depth of at least 20cm, and mix in a sprinkling of Bulb fertilizer (if you have it) or a general purpose Fert mix.
- Plant the corm so that the pointy part is facing up, to a depth of 8-10cm.
Protect them from strong winds by either planting in a shelter spot or supporting them with a growth support system.
Insects and fungi can attack Gladioli, so it is advisable to spray about every 2 – 3 weeks with an insecticide (try our Neem products!) and fungicide to keep your plants looking their best.
The blooms can be removed when they have begun to fade but leave the foliage until it has died down completely.
You can lift the corms in Autumn if you wish, but make sure that they are stored in a cool, dark place with plenty of air movement until July - August then plant out again in the normal way.
