GLADIOLAS BULB

Here are the essential care instructions for growing healthy Gladiolas:

1. Sunlight & Location

• Full Sun: Plant in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun ensures strong stems and full bloom spikes.

• Wind Protection: Plant near a wall, fence, or sheltered area to protect tall flower stalks from snapping in high winds.

2. Soil & Planting

• Well-Draining Soil: Gladiolas prefer fertile, loamy soil with good drainage. Poor drainage can cause corms to rot.

• Planting Depth: Plant corms 4 to 6 inches deep and spaced 4 to 6 inches apart with the pointed end facing upward.

• Staggered Planting: Plant groups of corms every 2 weeks from early spring through early summer for a continuous display of blooms throughout the season.

3. Watering & Feeding

• Watering: Provide about 1 inch of water per week (increase during dry spells). Ensure the soil stays consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

• Fertilization: Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer (such as 5-10-10) when shoots are 6 to 8 inches high, and repeat when flower buds begin to show.

4. Support & Maintenance

• Staking: Taller varieties (over 3 feet) often need support. Insert bamboo stakes or flower cages early so you don't damage the corms later.

• Deadheading: Cut off faded flower spikes near the base to encourage energy to flow back into the corm for next year's growth.

• Foliage Care: Leave the green foliage intact after flowers fade; do not cut leaves back until they naturally turn yellow and die down in late autumn.

5. Overwintering (Cold Climates)

• If you live in an area with freezing winters, dig up the corms after the first frost, let them dry in a warm area for a few weeks, brush off excess dirt, and store them in a cool, dark, dry place until spring.