Greetings, human cultivator. We are the Gladiolus, often called "sword lilies" for our blade-like foliage. To coax us into our most magnificent display of towering flower spikes, follow this guide from our perspective. We hail from warmer climates, so our needs are specific, especially in the variable conditions of USDA zones.
We are sun-worshippers. To fuel our rapid growth and develop strong, vibrant flower spikes, we require a minimum of six to eight hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. Our foundation is equally critical. We demand well-draining soil; waterlogged conditions will cause our corms to rot and perish. Amend heavy clay soils with generous amounts of compost or sand to create a loose, fertile bed. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer mixed into the planting area will provide the steady nourishment we need to reach our full potential.
We begin our journey as corms, which are our storage organs. The timing of our planting is dictated by the last frost dates in your zone. Plant us about two weeks before the last expected spring frost when the soil has warmed. The rule for planting depth is crucial: place us 4 to 6 inches deep with the pointed end facing upward. In warmer zones (7-10), the deeper end of this range helps protect us from the heat. In cooler zones (3-6), a slightly shallower planting (4 inches) can help us absorb the sun's warmth more efficiently to spur growth.
Once planted, water us thoroughly to settle the soil around our corms. As we send up our green shoots, maintain consistent moisture. We require about an inch of water per week, more during hot, dry spells. When our flower spike begins to emerge (the "flag" leaf), we are entering our most thirsty phase. This is also when we become top-heavy. To prevent us from toppling over in wind or rain, please provide support. Gently stake our stem early in its development to avoid damaging our roots later.
After our spectacular bloom fades, do not remove the foliage! This is the most vital part of our annual cycle. Our leaves are our solar panels, photosynthesizing to send energy back down to our corm to create a new, larger corm for next season. Allow our leaves to remain until they yellow and die back naturally. In USDA zones 7 and warmer, you may mulch us heavily and we might survive winter in the ground. In zones 6 and colder, you must carefully lift our corms after the foliage has died, dry us for a few weeks, and store us in a cool, dark, and dry place (around 35-45°F) until it is time to plant again next spring.
