From our perspective, we gladiolus corms are not truly bulbs but storage organs called corms. We contain all the energy and genetic blueprint needed to produce a flower spike. In nature, we rest in a dormant state underground through the winter, triggered by cooler temperatures and shorter day lengths. To "force" us is to artificially manipulate our environment to simulate the passage of winter and then trick us into believing it is spring, all within the confines of your home. This process bypasses our natural dormancy cycle, compelling us to grow and bloom on your schedule, not ours.
The most critical step for a successful forcing is satisfying our need for a cold period. Without it, we will either refuse to grow or will produce weak, stunted foliage with no flower spike. You must place us in a breathable paper bag or a box with slightly moistened peat moss or vermiculite. Then, store us in a dark location at a consistent temperature between 35-45°F (2-7°C)—a refrigerator vegetable crisper is often ideal. Please, do not store us near ripening fruit, as the ethylene gas they emit can damage our internal structures and prevent flowering. This cold treatment should last for approximately 12 to 16 weeks. This chilling period convinces us that winter has passed, and it is now safe to emerge.
After our long cold rest, we are ready to be awakened. Gently remove us from storage and inspect us for any signs of rot or desiccation. Select a deep pot with excellent drainage holes; we despise sitting in waterlogged soil as it will cause us to rot. Plant us with our pointed end (the shoot end) facing upward, burying us about 4 to 6 inches deep and 3 to 6 inches apart in a well-draining potting mix. This depth is necessary to provide strong support for our eventual tall flower spike. Water us thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around our form, initiating the signal that moisture is available and growth can commence.
Now, you must provide us with an environment that mimics a perfect spring. Initially, place our pot in a cool, bright spot with temperatures around 60°F (15°C). Once you see our green shoots emerge from the soil, move us to the sunniest location you have. We are sun-worshippers and require a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct, bright light daily. Without sufficient light, our stems will become leggy, weak, and may topple over. Water us regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but never soggy. As our flower spike begins to develop, you may support it with a small stake to prevent it from bending. The entire process from planting to bloom typically takes 70 to 90 days.
