Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000669
11/12/99

Gladiolus hybrids Gladiolus x hortulanus


Height: 3 ft Spacing: 9 in
Type: tender bulb
Flowers: Nearly all colors

Comments: Glads bear spikes of large florets (Vis. 1) in a
wide range of colors. They do well in well-drained soil,
full sun and good air circulation. When the flower spike
forms, more water will be needed. Glads respond to
fertilization and two different methods give good results.
A 5-10-10 or 10-10-10 fertilizer is side dressed when the
leaves are 6 inches high and again when the flower spike
breaks through the leaves. The other method is an
application of liquid fertilizer every 10 days from the
time the flower spike forms until the flowers begin to
open. Corms planted on a staggered schedule through May
and June provide a continuous supply of flowers. Corms
are planted two and one-half to four inches deep and 10 to
20 inches apart. Corms planted deeper flower later and
deeper planting can lead to disease problems.

Corms are ready to dig when the tops have died. Remove
the old shriveled corm, but the husks are left on. A few
corms can be stored in onion sacks. Large numbers of
corms are stored in shallow layers on trays with screen
bottoms. The storage area should be well ventilated and
have a temperature of 40 to 50 degrees.

Propagation: Propagation is by cormlets selected from
certain varieties and planted one inch apart in a nursery
row.


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