From my perspective as a gladiolus corm, the journey begins the moment I am placed in the warm, moist soil. For me to break my dormancy, the soil temperature must be consistently above 10°C (50°F). I immediately begin to absorb water, swelling and awakening the growth points on my upper surface. My primary task is to establish a strong root system. Within the first one to three weeks, my contractile roots emerge and drive me deeper into the soil for stability. These roots will also pull me to an optimal depth as I grow. Simultaneously, the first shoot begins its upward journey, seeking sunlight. This initial stage is all about building a hidden foundation; what happens above ground is merely a reflection of the work below.
Once my roots are sufficiently established, my energy focuses on photosynthesis. The spear-like shoot pierces the soil surface and begins to unfurl my long, sword-shaped leaves. Each leaf is a solar panel, converting sunlight into the energy I need for my next, most spectacular phase. During this period, which typically spans several weeks, I am busy manufacturing carbohydrates and storing energy. The original corm that was planted begins to wither as a new, larger replacement corm forms at the base of my stem. This new corm is my future, the storehouse for next season's growth. My visible growth above ground is rapid now, with my stem elongating and the leaves forming their characteristic fan-like arrangement.
The critical shift from vegetative to reproductive growth is triggered by the increasing daylight and warmth of the growing season. Internally, I receive the signals to begin forming the flower spike, or inflorescence. This process is energy-intensive and relies entirely on the resources gathered during the vegetative stage. The flower spike, which is actually a tall scape, begins to elongate rapidly from the center of my leaf fan. Hidden within the developing spike, the individual flower buds form in a tight, protective cluster. They are arranged in two rows along one side of the stem. This internal development is complete before there is any outward sign of a flower bud, a secret I keep until the very last moment.
Finally, the moment of revelation arrives. The flower spike has reached its full height, and the lowest buds on the spike begin to swell and show color. The flowering process is sequential, starting from the bottom and moving upwards over a period of days. Each floret opens to display its showy petals and distinctive markings, a strategy designed to attract pollinators. My entire existence has been building to this point of reproduction. The flowering display can last for one to two weeks, depending on environmental conditions like heat and wind. During this time, if pollination occurs, I will begin to direct energy into forming seeds within the spent florets. However, most of my energy is still dedicated to bulking up the new corm and producing smaller cormels for propagation.
