How to Deadhead Gladiolus
The long flower spikes of the gladiolus plant produce a multitude of blooms throughout their life. Each spike features many buds that eventually open and bloom. The buds don't always open all at once, so old flowers become unattractive as they wilt, detracting from the beauty of the remaining blossoms. The flowers near the bottom of each spike open first, and the remaining buds open in succession up the length of the spike. Removing the old flowers prevents the gladiolus from setting seed, allowing the energy usually spent on seed production to instead feed the bulb for next year's flower display.
Grasp a spent flower between your thumb and forefinger. Hold the flower stem beneath the spent flower in your other hand to help support it.
- The long flower spikes of the gladiolus plant produce a multitude of blooms throughout their life.
Pinch off the old flower. Remove the entire flowering structure, including the swollen portion at the base that connects to the flower spike.
Remove each flower as it finishes blooming and begins to wilt. Check the spike every three to five days for wilted flowers and pinch them off as soon as you notice them.
Cut off the entire flower spike at its base with shears once all the buds along its length have finished blooming. Leave the foliage in place until it yellows and dies back in fall.
Pick Gladiolus
Examine the gladiolus flower stalks, and select a stalk with the bottom two or three flowers open and blooming. Place the cut stalk in the bucket of lukewarm water immediately. Fill a vase with the 110 degree Fahrenheit water. Trim 1/2 inch off the stalk's cut end at an angle while holding it under water. Place the re-cut stalk, or stem, in the prepared vase, ensuring the flowers do not sit in the water, and arrange as desired. Exchange the water-and-preservative mixture with a fresh water-and-preservative mixture every two days.
- Remove the entire flowering structure, including the swollen portion at the base that connects to the flower spike.
- Check the spike every three to five days for wilted flowers and pinch them off as soon as you notice them.
Tip
Removing the spent flowers on gladiolus in cut-flower arrangements helps prolong the life of the remaining flowers.
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References
Tips
- Removing the spent flowers on gladiolus in cut-flower arrangements helps prolong the life of the remaining flowers.
Writer Bio
Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.
