From our perspective as gladiolus plants, our most fundamental need is a stable and spacious home for our corms (our underground storage organs). A container must be deep enough to accommodate our root system and provide stability for our tall flower spikes. We require a pot at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter. Excellent drainage is non-negotiable; waterlogged soil will cause our corms to rot. A heavy container, perhaps ceramic or wood, is ideal to prevent us from becoming top-heavy and tipping over once we grow tall.
For the best start, plant us in a well-draining, soilless potting mix. Garden soil is too dense and will compact in the container, suffocating our roots. Place our corms with the pointed end facing upwards, at a depth of about 4 to 6 inches. You can plant us closer together in a container than in the ground—about 3 to 4 inches apart—to create a lush display. We appreciate being planted in succession, every two weeks, to ensure a continuous bloom throughout the season, rather than all at once.
We are sun-worshippers. To fuel our rapid growth and develop strong, vibrant flower spikes, we need a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily on your patio or balcony. Our water needs are consistent moisture, especially after sprouting and during the spike formation stage. Water us deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, but always allow excess water to drain away completely. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every few weeks will provide the essential nutrients we need to put on our spectacular show.
Our glorious flower spikes can reach heights of 2 to 5 feet, making us susceptible to wind and our own weight. We greatly benefit from discreet staking early on. Insert a stake into the pot near the corm at planting time to avoid damaging our roots later. Once our blooms have faded, the real work begins for next year. Please do not remove the foliage! We need to photosynthesize and send energy back down to our corm to recharge for the next growing season. Allow the leaves to turn yellow and die back naturally.
After the foliage has died back, you have a choice. In very mild climates (USDA zones 7-8 and above), we may survive the winter if the container is moved to a protected location and heavily mulched. However, in most areas, it is safest to lift our corms. Gently remove us from the pot, brush off the soil, and allow us to dry in a warm, airy place for a few weeks. Then, store us in a mesh bag or paper bag in a cool (35-45°F / 2-7°C), dry, and dark location until it is time to plant again in the spring.
