From our perspective as Gladiolus plants, water is the essential lifeblood that transports nutrients from our corms (the bulb-like storage organs we grow from) up through our stems to our magnificent flower spikes and sword-like leaves. However, we are not aquatic plants. Our corms are prone to rot in soggy, oxygen-deprived soil. Therefore, the perfect watering regimen for us is a consistent cycle of deep moisture followed by a period where the top layer of soil can dry out slightly. This allows our roots to breathe and prevents the fungal diseases that plague waterlogged corms.
When you first plant us, we require a gentle but thorough initial watering. This single, deep soak (approximately 1 inch of water) serves to settle the soil around our corm, eliminating air pockets and signaling to our dormant systems that it is time to awaken and send out initial roots. After this, please wait until you see the first green shoot emerge from the soil before watering again. This prevents the corm from sitting in cold, wet earth before it is actively growing and able to use the moisture, which is a primary cause of rot.
Once our green spikes are several inches tall and throughout the development of our flower stalks, our water demand increases significantly. This is our period of massive energy expenditure. We are building tall, strong stems, numerous flower buds, and extensive leaf surface area, all of which lose water through transpiration. During this critical phase, we need about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. The key is deep, infrequent watering rather than daily light sprinkles. Deep watering encourages our roots to grow downward, creating a stable, resilient plant that is better able to withstand dry periods and wind.
Please water us at the base, directing the flow to the soil around our stems. Avoid overhead watering that drenches our leaves and flowers. Wet foliage is an open invitation for fungal diseases like botrytis (gray mold) to take hold, which can disfigure our leaves and spoil our beautiful blooms. The goal is to slowly and deeply saturate the root zone to a depth of at least 6 inches. A soaker hose or drip irrigation system is ideal, as it delivers water directly to our roots with minimal waste and keeps our foliage dry.
After our spectacular blooms have faded, our focus shifts from reproduction to storage. We begin the vital process of gathering energy from our remaining leaves to store in our corm for next year's growth. Continue to water us as the foliage remains green, but you can gradually reduce the frequency. This allows the leaves to photosynthesize and nourish the corm without the risk of rot. Once the leaves have turned yellow and begun to die back naturally, you must cease watering entirely. This dry period is our signal to enter dormancy and is absolutely crucial for the health and longevity of our corm, ensuring we have the energy to return for another stunning display next season.
