Hello, gardener. We are gladiolus corms, the storage organs from which we will grow. When you select us, choose plump, firm corms about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, free of soft spots or mold. Our size directly correlates to the flower spike we will produce. For our home, we require a location that receives full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Our tall flower spikes are vulnerable to strong winds, so a spot sheltered from gusts or where we can be staked is ideal. We prefer well-draining, moderately fertile soil. Heavy, waterlogged clay will cause us to rot, so amending such soil with compost or sand is greatly appreciated.
Plant us after the last spring frost when the soil has warmed to at least 55°F (13°C). We thrive in warmth. Place us in the ground with our pointed end facing upwards, at a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Space us approximately 6 to 8 inches apart to give our roots and new corms room to develop. After covering us with soil, provide a thorough watering to settle the earth around us and signal that it is time to wake from our dormancy. We will use the stored energy within our corm to send down roots and push a shoot upwards towards the sun. This initial growth is fueled entirely by the corm itself.
As our green, sword-like leaves (from which we get our name, "little sword") emerge and grow, we begin photosynthesizing to create our own food. Consistent moisture is crucial during this active growth phase. Water us deeply about once a week if rainfall is insufficient, aiming for about an inch of water, which encourages our roots to grow deep. When our flower spike begins to emerge and show the first signs of a bud, we will benefit from a boost of nutrition. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or one high in phosphorus will help support the development of a strong, vibrant bloom spike.
Our magnificent flower spike will bloom from the bottom upwards. Each floret opens in succession, providing a long display of color. This is our reproductive stage, designed to attract pollinators. While you enjoy our beauty, remember that the process of flowering is energetically expensive for us. After the blooms fade, the critical phase of regeneration begins. Do not cut back the foliage! Our leaves are now solar panels, working overtime to photosynthesize and send energy down to our base to form a new, replacement corm for next season's growth, and often several smaller cormels around it.
Once our foliage begins to yellow and die back naturally, usually after the first autumn frost, our energy has been successfully transferred to the new corm. In warmer USDA zones (7 and above), you may leave us in the ground with a thick layer of mulch for protection. In colder zones, we must be lifted to survive the winter. Carefully dig up the new corms, cut off the dead foliage about an inch above the corm, and allow us to cure (dry) for 2-3 weeks in a warm, well-ventilated place. Then, store us in a mesh bag or paper bag in a cool, dry, dark location around 35-45°F (2-7°C) until it is time to plant us again in the spring.
