I am a gladiolus corm, a swollen underground stem designed to store energy. I am currently in a dormant state, waiting for the correct environmental signals to break my rest and begin my growth cycle. The single most important signal for me is soil temperature. I require the soil to be consistently above 55°F (13°C). If you plant me in cold, wet soil, I will likely rot instead of grow. The ideal time for you to plant me is in the spring, after the last expected frost date in your region. You can succession plant me every two weeks until early summer to ensure a continuous display of my blooms later in the season.
To thrive, I demand a specific location and soil composition. I am a sun-worshipper and require a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily to produce strong stems and vibrant flowers. Please plant me in a location sheltered from strong winds, which can topple my tall flower spikes. The soil is my home; it must be well-draining. I cannot tolerate having my roots sit in waterlogged conditions. You can improve heavy clay soil by amending it with compost or peat moss. I prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, between 6.0 and 7.0. Working a balanced, slow-release fertilizer into the planting bed before you place me will provide essential nutrients for my initial growth burst.
The depth and spacing of my planting are critical for my structural stability and health. A general rule is to plant me at a depth four times my height. For most of my varieties, this means a planting depth of approximately 4 to 6 inches. Planting me this deep helps anchor my stem against the wind and supports the development of new corms at the base. The spacing between each corm is equally important. Please place me 6 to 8 inches apart from my neighbors. This provides adequate space for my root system to expand and ensures good air circulation around my foliage, which helps prevent fungal diseases that thrive in crowded, humid conditions.
Once planted in the warm soil, I will absorb moisture and begin to send roots downward and a shoot upward towards the sun. Water me thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around me and eliminate air pockets. As I grow, I require consistent moisture, about 1 inch of water per week. When my flower spike begins to emerge and develop buds, my water needs will increase. To support my impressive height and heavy bloom, you may need to stake me. Apply a liquid fertilizer high in phosphorus when my flower spike first appears to encourage a spectacular bloom. After my flowers fade, my focus will shift to replenishing my corm for the next season.
