As a gladiolus plant, my lifecycle is driven by the sun and the seasons. My vibrant summer blooms are a testament to the energy stored within my corm, a swollen underground stem that is my lifeblood. When autumn's chill arrives, I sense the change. My foliage begins to yellow and die back, signaling that it is time for me to enter a period of dormancy. To survive the winter and bloom again for you next year, I require specific care. Here is how to help me through my slumber.
Please do not cut my green leaves immediately after flowering. I need this time to photosynthesize and send energy back down to my corm, replenishing the stores I used to produce my flower spike. Wait until the first frost has blackened my leaves or until they have turned yellow and died back naturally. This is my signal that the growing season is over. Gently dig me up, taking care not to bruise or slice my corm. Leave about an inch of my stem attached to prevent diseases from entering my top.
After lifting me from the soil, gently brush off any loose dirt. Do not wash me with water, as the added moisture can lead to rot during storage. I now need a curing period, which is a controlled drying process. Place me, along with my attached foliage, in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight for about two to three weeks. A temperature of 60-70°F (15-21°C) is ideal. This process allows my outer layers to dry and toughen into a protective papery skin, and the remaining nutrients in my stem to be fully absorbed into my corm.
Once I am thoroughly cured and my old stem easily detaches with a gentle twist, it is time for final preparation. Remove and discard the dried stem and the shriveled, old corm from the base of the new, plump corm. Gently separate any new cormels (small baby corms) that have formed; these can be stored and planted to grow new plants. Dust me with a fungicide powder to prevent fungal diseases during storage. This is a crucial step for my health.
My ideal winter storage environment mimics the conditions of a dormant period in my native habitat: cool, dark, and dry. Place me in a breathable container such as a mesh bag, a paper bag, or a crate lined with newspaper. Do not store me in an airtight plastic bag, as this will trap moisture and cause me to mold and rot. The perfect storage temperature is between 35-45°F (2-7°C). A cool basement, garage, or a ventilated refrigerator crisper drawer (away from fruits that emit ethylene gas) are all suitable locations. Please check on me periodically throughout the winter to ensure I remain firm and disease-free.
