Our journey begins when conditions are right. A dormant corm, which is our underground storage organ, senses the perfect combination of warm soil, moisture, and oxygen. This signals us to break dormancy. Roots, called contractile roots, first emerge from the base of the corm, anchoring us and pulling us to the correct depth in the soil. Shortly after, a singular shoot tip pushes upward towards the light, fueled by the starches stored within the corm. This initial stage, from planting to emergence, typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Once we breach the soil surface, our primary mission is to harness energy. The shoot unfurls our long, sword-like (gladius means sword in Latin) leaves. We photosynthesize vigorously, converting sunlight into energy. Crucially, this energy is not just for immediate growth; a significant portion is diverted back underground. A new corm, called a replacement corm, begins to develop on top of the old, now-shriveling one. Simultaneously, tiny new corms, called cormels, form around the base. This vegetative stage is the longest phase, often lasting 60 to 90 days, as we build the necessary resources for our grand reproductive display.
As daylight hours lengthen and temperatures remain favorable, an internal hormonal shift occurs within us. We cease producing only leaves and initiate the development of a flower spike, or inflorescence. This spike, which emerges from the center of the leaf fan, rapidly elongates, pushing a developing bud cluster upwards. This critical transition from vegetative to reproductive growth is a vulnerable time, requiring consistent moisture and nutrients to ensure the spike grows strong and straight to support the impending weight of the flowers.
This is our most visible and celebrated stage. The flower spike reaches its full height, and the buds begin to open in sequence, typically from the bottommost bud upwards. Each spectacular flower is designed to attract pollinators with its vivid colors, patterns, and sometimes fragrance. The flowers are complete, containing both male (anthers) and female (stigma) reproductive parts, though they often mature at slightly different times to encourage cross-pollination. This brilliant display is relatively short-lived, with individual flowers lasting a few days and the entire spike providing a show for 1 to 2 weeks.
After pollination occurs (or if it does not), our flowers wilt. Our energy focus shifts dramatically away from above-ground display. The petals fall, and the plant begins the vital process of senescence. Remaining nutrients and energy are scavenged from the dying leaves and stem and transported back into the newly formed replacement corm underground. This process plumps up the new corm, ensuring it is packed with the energy required to survive dormancy and begin the next cycle. The foliage will yellow and brown, a clear sign that this year's growth is complete and the corm is ready for dormancy.
