Gladioli are all-time favorite flowers, bringing elegance and color to the summer garden and providing a steady supply of lovely cut flowers for bouquets. Members of the iris family, gladioli have a great diversity of flower color and shape. They are principally native to South Africa, with some wild species found in southern Europe and the Near East. Much crossing and interbreeding of these species has brought us glads that bloom from July until frost. By planting over the season, a garden can boast continuous glad color all summer.
Gladioli are easy to grow in a sunny location with well-drained soil and provide beauty year after year with a minimum of effort. Plant glads as soon as the ground is workable in May. Continue to plant additional corms at intervals of 10-14 days through June. Staggered plantings will assure a steady supply of blooms through the entire summer. As a general rule, plant corms (with their pointed end up) 5-6" apart and at approximately four times their own depth. Glads like plenty of water and should be watered at least once a week whenever you’ve had less than 1" of rainfall. Apply a liquid fertilizer about every ten days from the time buds appear until flowers begin to open. Apply a top dressing of mulch to conserve moisture and inhibit the growth of weeds.
Glads are primarily grown for use as a cut flower. To get the most enjoyment from flower spikes, pick when the first florets are beginning to open. The remaining florets will open in time. Cut the spikes in the early morning or evening for maximum freshness. Remove flower spike with a slanted cut with a sharp knife. Be sure at least four leaves are left on the plant to allow corm development. Immediately place spikes in a deep container of warm water to keep the florets from wilting. Leave glads in a cool, dark place for several hours before arranging. This will help flowers harden off and last longer. As the florets fade, remove them to keep the glads looking their best. Change the water daily, and give stems a fresh cut to extend their life.
Corms should be lifted in early fall before frost. Dry them on flat, ventilated trays. Remove the stalks, old corms and roots, and store newly developed corms in mesh bags (old nylon stockings are ideal) in a cool, frost-free, well-ventilated place. Replant the following spring for another season of color and beauty.

To learn more about glads and other corms and bulbs, visit www.dutchgardens.com, and continue to support OAGC by ordering bulbs, corms and bare root plants when you receive your DUTCH GARDENS catalog!

Remember, the fall catalog came out in June and the orders are due August 15, 2003. If your club didn’t receive a catalog, please contact Billie Bower whose address is on page 2 of The Garden Path.