GLADIOLUS--PLANTING
Gladiolus need to be planted after danger of frost. The soil should be
warmed to a depth of six (6) inches; oaks will be fully leafed out. Corms
planted in cool soil are apt to rot. Make sure the corms or clean and healthy.
Do not remove the tunic or outer papery layer.
Gladiolus prefer full sun, but will respond in locations with some morning
or late afternoon shade. Good air circulation is a must.
Incorporate no more than two to three (2 to 3) pounds of a 5-10-10 or
5- 10-5 fertilizer per 100 square feet. Underfertilizing is much better
than overfertilizing.
Work the soil to a depth of eight (8) inches. As a rule of thumb, plant
gladiolus corms three times their diameter; for example, a two (2) inch
diameter corm should be planted six (6) inches deep and six (6) inches
apart. Corms planted in shallow soil are more likely to fall over when
blooming. Often, corms are covered with an inch or two of soil until they
sprout. Sprouts, like asparagus plantings, are covered until the final
soil line is achieved. Hilling corms is also a common practice, especially
if early summer blooms are desired. A "hill" warms up faster than flat
soil.
Gladiolus generally will bloom twelve (12) weeks after planting.
GLADIOLUS--STAKING
Gladiolus require little staking if corms are planted correctly. Plant
the corms three times their diameter -- a 2 inch diameter gladiolus would
be planted six (6) inches deep.
However, some large gladiolus still require staking. Bamboo or plastic
staking should occur at the time of corm planting to minimize damage to
the developing plant and root system. Stakes should be at least three feet
tall.
Tie flower stalks to the stake using old nylon panty hose or torn sheets.
Two ties should be sufficient to maintain a straight stem.
GLADIOLUS--WINTER STORAGE
Corms should be dug after foliage has matured and started turning brown.
Lift corms carefully with a spade or spading fork, taking care not to cut
into the corm. Cut the tops off 1 (1) inch above the corm and dry for 2
to 4 weeks in a warm location (70-80 degrees Fahrenheit) with good air
circulation.
Remove the old corm which is beneath the new corm. Discard any rotted
or damaged corms. Cut stems back to within an eighth (1/8) inch of the
corm. Place the corms in an onion sack or old nylon panty hose. Hang from
a wall or ceiling. Ideal storage temperatures are between 35 and 40 degrees
Fahrenheit.
