How to Grow Gladiolus: A Complete Guide to Planting, Care, and Blooming

How to Grow Gladiolus: A Complete Guide to Planting, Care, and Blooming Gladiolus, also known as "glads," are stunning flowers that are simple to grow and add vibrant color to any garden. These summer-blooming perennials do well in warm climates and produce tall, sophisticated spikes of flowers in a variety of shades. Here’s a complete guide to growing and caring for gladiolus. Planting Gladiolus Gladiolus corms (bulbs) should be planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Choose a sunny spot with soil that drains well. Loosen the soil and mix in compost for added nutrients. Plant the corms 4–6 inches deep and 6 inches apart, with the pointed end facing upward. For continuous blooms, plant corms every two weeks from spring to early summer. Caring for Gladiolus Regularly water the plants to keep the soil moist but not soaked. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and control weeds. Gladiolus can grow quite tall, so staking may be necessary to prevent the flower spikes from bending or breaking. Apply a balanced fertilizer when the shoots appear and again when buds form. Blooming and Maintenance Gladiolus typically bloom 70–90 days after planting. Cut flowers when the lower blooms start to open for longer-lasting arrangements. Before trimming, allow the foliage to remain until it turns yellow to encourage future growth. Dig up the corms in the fall in colder areas, store them in a cool, dry place, and plant them again in the spring. With proper care, gladiolus will reward you with spectacular blooms, perfect for bouquets and garden displays!