As a gladiolus corm, I feel the days growing shorter and the air turning crisp. This is my signal. My vibrant summer performance, the tall flower spike that reached for the sun, has faded. My leaves have yellowed, and my energy is retreating from my foliage, pulling back deep into my core—my corm. This is not an end; it is the beginning of a crucial dormant period. To survive the freezing temperatures above ground, I need your help to navigate the winter safely.
Please do not be too hasty. I must complete my natural cycle. Wait until after the first light frost has blackened my leaves. This is my final cue to channel all my remaining energy downward, strengthening my new corm that has grown on top of the old, depleted one. If you lift me too early, I will be weak and may not store enough nutrients to regenerate next spring. Using a garden fork, gently loosen the soil around me, taking care not to pierce or bruise my delicate body.
Once lifted, gently remove the soil clinging to me. Do not wash me with water, as this can encourage rot during storage. Instead, brush off the dirt delicately. Now, you must allow me to cure. Leave my foliage attached and place me in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight for about two to three weeks. This process is vital. It allows my outer layers to dry and toughen into a protective papery tunic, and it lets the old corm beneath my new one shrivel and separate easily.
After the curing period, my foliage will be entirely brown and brittle. Now you can snap or cut it off, leaving only about an inch of stem above my crown. Next, gently twist and remove the shriveled, old corm from the base of my new, plump one. This is like removing a worn-out boot. Discard any corms that show signs of squishiness, rot, or severe damage. I want only the healthiest of my kind to make it to storage, ensuring a strong future generation.
My winter home must be just right. I need a environment that is cool, dark, and dry, with consistent temperatures between 35-50°F (2-10°C). Please do not store me in a sealed plastic bag, as I will suffocate and mold. Instead, place me in a breathable container. A mesh bag, a paper bag, or a cardboard box with ventilation holes is perfect. You can nestle me in a medium like peat moss, vermiculite, or wood shavings to buffer any humidity fluctuations and prevent my corms from touching each other directly.
Throughout the winter, please check on me periodically. Look for any signs of shriveling (too dry) or mold (too damp). A quick inspection allows you to adjust my storage medium if needed. I remain in this dormant state, conserving my energy, until I feel the warm whispers of spring through my storage container. When the danger of frost has passed and the soil warms, that is my signal to awaken. Then, you can return me to the garden, and I will reward your careful stewardship with another season of glorious, towering blooms.
