Gladiolus Bulb Information

Gladiolus is a common cut flower.

The long stems and beautiful flowers of the gladiolus are commonly seen in flower arrangements. In the right conditions, they are also relatively easy to grow in the home garden.

Identification

Gladiolus is characterized by its spikes of flowers, which range from under 2 1/2 inches to over 5 1/2 inches in diameter. The plant bulbs are actually not true bulbs but corms. Corms propagate by essentially replicating themselves. As the year progresses, the old corm sprouts into a new corm, which eventually takes over for the next growing season.

Care

Select high-quality corms with no dark spots and a firm exterior. Gladiolus needs full sun and loose, well-drained soil. Plant gladiolus corms in rows in order to make staking and harvesting a bit easier. They should be placed at a depth of approximately four times their own diameter, with the pointed side facing upward.

Pests and Disease

Gladiolus bulbs are susceptible to several pests and diseases, such as botrytis blight, curvularia leaf spot, fusarium yellows, scab, nematodes, stemphylium leaf spot and stromatinia dry rot. Monitor plants and corms carefully for any symptoms and treat immediately.

References

• University of Missouri Extension: Summer Flowering Bulbs: Gladiolus
• University of Minnesota Department of Horticulture: Growing Gladiolus
• Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension: Gladiolus Diseases