Gladiolus

Gladiolus should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. The soil should be allowed to dry out a bit in between watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before you water again. During warmer months, water your plant one to two times a week, checking the soil moisture level with your finger. If using containers, make sure to allow water to drain from the bottom of the pot.

Gladioli plants prefer a location with full sun in the morning and early afternoon for best flowering results, but will tolerate some afternoon shade. These plants require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for proper growth. Make sure to choose a location with plenty of light, such as a south-facing window. If the light is not suitable the flowering results will suffer.

Gladiolus prefer temperatures that range from 65-90 degrees Fahrenheit (18-32 degrees Celsius). Avoid extreme temperatures, as they can harm the blooms. During the summer months, make sure the plant is shaded from direct sunlight to prevent it from overheating. During the winter months, keep the plant in a warmer environment within the temperature range.

Gladiolus prefer moderate humidity. If the humidity is too low, the leaves may start to brown. Place a humidifier near your plant, or move your plant to a shaded area to increase the humidity. A pebble tray filled with water or a humidifier can also be used to help boost the humidity.

Gladiolus should be planted in well-draining soil. They prefer to be planted in a soil that is slightly acidic and contains some organic material. It is important to ensure the soil is not too compacted or waterlogged. The best soils for gladiolus are a mix of equal parts of compost, peat moss and loam with some sharp sand added for extra drainage. It is important to add plenty of organic matter to the soil and regular feeding to ensure a healthy plant.

Gladiolus should be fertilized regularly. Choose a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 ratio and follow the instructions for the correct amount and method of application. It is best to fertilize away from the stem to avoid burning. To help encourage blooming, adding a balanced fertilizer with high phosphorus during early flowering will maximize blooms. Be sure to keep up on regular fertilizing as this will strengthen the root system and provide essential nutrients to keep the plant healthy.

Gladiolus are prone to several pests, such as aphids, slugs, snails, thrips and caterpillars. Aphids are one of the most common pests and can be identified by their soft bodies and the leaves roll up. These pests can be removed by spraying the plant with a stream of water or by using a organic insecticide. Slugs and snails can be controlled by handpicking or using traps. Thrips can be removed by using a vacuum or treated with insecticides. Caterpillars can be removed by hand picking and treated with insecticides.

Gladiolus should be repotted every two or three years, in the spring or summer when the corms are actively growing. Select a pot that is at least twice as wide as the corm. Make sure the soil is well drained and fill the pot with a soil mix that is composed of one part compost to one part peat moss or a potting mix intended for corms. Be sure to mound the soil around the sides of the corm for support and stability.

Gladiolus does not require any pruning, however, dead or dying flower spikes can be removed. This will help the plant focus its energy on producing new blooms. If you wish to propagate your plant, you can cut a flower spike, it can be planted in soil and will grow a new plant.

Mulching is not necessary for gladiolus but can be beneficial if you live in a colder climates. Spread a few inches of mulch over the soil surface will help protect the plant against extreme winter temperatures.

Propagation of Gladiolus is done by planting the corms in the early spring, after the risk of frost has passed. To propagate, dig the corms and separate the offsets, which are small corms that have developed from the main corm. Plant the offsets two to three inches apart and cover with soil, be sure to keep the depths at least two to three inches below the surface of the soil. Plant the larger corms four to six inches apart.

Gladiolus may need to be supported during the flowering season. Staking is a great way to support the stem and flowers. Insert a stake that is both tall and strong into the soil and loosely tie the stem to the stake with a piece of string or twine.

Gladiolus plants do not need a true rest period, but do benefit from regular deadheading and fertilizer. During the fall and winter months, however, they should receive less water and fertilizer to help them remain dormant until the following spring.

Gladiolus is not toxic to pets or humans, however, if ingested, it can cause irritation in the throat, stomach, and intestinal tract.