How to Plant Gladiolus in Texas
Gladiolus flowers grow from corns, which are similar to bulbs but are smaller in size. They develop tall, green stalks in the spring with brightly colored flower blossoms that grow directly along them. Gladiolus plants grow well in Texas throughout the warm months as long as you follow the proper planting techniques. Plan to plant Gladiolus byzantinus or Gladiolus natalensi, which are more heat tolerant varieties that perform as perennials in the state of Texas. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Wait until mid-February, which is the proper time to begin planting gladiolus flowers in Texas. Look for a planting site that has well-drained soil and receives bright sunlight. The location should also be near a wall or building to protect the tall stalks from wind damage.
-
2
Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost over the area. Set the blade depth on a garden tiller to 12 inches and push it over the planting site to mix in the compost and loosen the soil.
-
-
3
Dig a 4-inch-deep hole using a hand spade and place one gladiolus corm into it. The pointed end of the corm should face upward. Fill in the hole with soil and pat it down with your hand.
-
4
Plant additional gladiolus corms in the same manner, spacing them at 4- to 6-inch intervals.
-
5
Water the planting site well until the soil is moist to a 4-inch depth.
-
6
Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch over the area to help retain the soil moisture.
-
7
Wait two weeks and repeat the process to plant additional gladiolus corms. Continue planting gladiolus corms every two weeks throughout the month of July to extend the blooming period in Texas.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
