Gladiolus Flower Bulbs
Posted: Friday, January 09, 2009
by Kathy Case
Case Exchange Co., Inc.
In the genus gladiolus there is about two hundred and fifty species. They are in the Iridaceae or iris family. The majority of gladioli are native to southern Africa. Most gladiolas are hybrids.
The flower stems of gladiolus can have at least seventeen flower blooms, all facing the same direction. Gladioli are mainly grown to make beautiful flower arrangements. They come in a wide range of colors, and make great cut flowers to use for any occasion. When cutting the flower stems, it is best for the bulb to leave at least four leaves attached.
Gladiolus can be miniature to jumbo sizes. They can grow forty inches or taller taking up little space with their long slender leaves. The most popular sizes are miniature and large. The larger the corm is in its size, the larger the plant will grow.
Gladiolus should be dug up sometime before the first freeze after blooming. After they are dug up, the old bulbs that are attached underneath the new bulb needs to be removed. The bulbs, which are actually corms, should be free of dirt and dried for a few weeks before storing to help prevent them from rotting. Put the corms to be stored in a vented container such as a old pair of pantyhose or a cloth bag sideways. Hang the container in a dry cool place to replant the next year. Do not let the bulbs freeze.
Most gladiolus corms reproduce by growing cormlets during its first six years. The young cormlets take two or three years to bloom. Gladiolus like to be located in full sun, and do best in moist well drained soil. They bloom during July and August. Depending on the species, gladiolus will grow in zones four through ten.
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More commentsNeat piece on a great flowerer loved by many! Are they associated with any historical persons who favored them or any events in history like the inaugural?Hi Walter,Yes, their are two famous French artist who created oil paintings of gladioli. Claude Monet painted "Gladioli" in 1876. Chaim Sautine painted "Red Gladioli" in 1919. I don't know of any events that specifically used gladioli.Always,Kathy
Great article! This article reminds me of some of the great botony classes I've taken.Thank you!Hello Peter,Thanks for leaving this nice wonderful comment.Sincerely,Kathy
I have not planted glads yet and have always wanted to because of the variations in colors. They hold up real well. I guess I have been scared of them. The fact that they have to be dug up each time is probably the reason why I haven't planted them. I'm one of those "plant it & forget about it" people. My mother loved her flowers and I wish I only had her abilities of planting a flower garden and maintaining it.Hi Lisa,It sounds like you garden like I do now. I use to maintain several flower beds until I got sick for a couple of years straight. Fortunate for me, gladiolus can stay in the ground year round here.Thanks for your response.Kathy
HI Kathy,As usual, very well written, The tips are always easy to follow. Lord bless you always.Hi Teresa,Thank you for the wonderful comment.Sincerely,Kathy
Hi - I love flowers and glads especially. Enjoyed reading about them - although I'm not gardening now and live in So. CA - so no need to pull the bulbs - but I'm in a windy area, and delicate flowers don't survive.I buy them often for the house. Thanks!Hi Cheryl,Nice to hear that you enjoyed the article. Glads are just as nice in the house.Sincerely,Kathy
Wonderfully well-written article. I love most types of flowers, but know very little about them---even names. It is great to have someone who is a specialist gives us some helpful info on the subject.Thanks for a great article, Kathy.P.S. I see you are from Batesville--not far from me hear just South of Walcott.I'll have to check out your website and please, feel free to check out mine.SandraThank you Sandra,It looks like you live on or near a scenic byway. From what I've seen on AETN, it is very pretty in that area. I've been wanting to visit Crowley Ridge. Maybe you can give me some especially nice scenic places to visit (and not the tourist traps). It would be nice to meet you in person too.Yes, I will check out your website.Have a good day,Kathy
Gladiolus, such beautiful flowers. If I could just grow any kind of flower it would make me happy. I've tried my hands at it on numerous occasions which all resulted in a poor outcome. None of my friends trust me to watch their plants, and on special days, they buy me silk arrangements.Maybe I'll take you up on your tips. :-) Great article.DeborahHi Deborah,I would bet that you can grow flower bulbs as long as you have some ground to place them. You don't have to have a 'green thumb' for these beauties. Just put them in the ground, water them once a week if needed, and they will do their magic. Most likely you can even leave them in the ground in Georgia. Thank you for your comment.Always,Kathy
Although I am not into gardening I learned some interesting facts from this article. Thanks!You're welcome Scott,Thank you for taking the time to read, and happy that you found the article interesting.Sincerely,Kathy
As usual...the flower lady has written another wonderful flowery article...lol...You know what I like in your article...Thats the picture of that particular flower you write. And the picture is amazing...'God is so wonderful'...thats what these pink bunch of flowers describe.You know God loves them who love His creation. He loves you. God bless and keep writing wonderful and beautiful articles...Hi Candles,Thanks for your wonderful comments. God loves you as well, you are caring and kind.Sincerely,Kathy
i dont want to pull up i am in NJ zone 7 i read thats ok. But this was my first year and i planted them too shallow and had to stake them will they straighten a little on their own next year ?Hi John,I have found that my gladiolus will naturally work upwords on their own. As I find them at the top of the soil, I redig holes for them. So to answer your question, I would have to say no, they will not straighten on their own.sorry,Kathy
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