Gladiolus

Gladiolus spp. · Flower

Quick answer: Water: About 1 in per week (estimated). Light: Full sun. Soil: Loam or sandy loam, well-drained, pH 6.0–6.5. Pets: ASPCA lists gladiolus as toxic to cats and dogs; the corms are the most concerning part. Keep stored corms out of reach. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Tall spikes of bright flowers grown from corms, a classic for cut-flower beds. Plant in waves through spring and you get color from midsummer to fall.

Care at a glance

Light

Full sun

Water

About 1 in per week; more in hot, dry spells (estimated)

Soil

Loam or sandy loam, well-drained, pH 6.0–6.5

Temperature

Plant after frost danger; store corms at 35–45 °F

Spacing

3–6 in apart, 4–6 in deep depending on corm size

Container

At least 12 in deep (estimated)

Bloom

70–90+ days after planting, summer to fall

Lifespan

Tender perennial; lift corms in cold-winter areas

When?

Start planting around your last frost date and continue every two weeks until early summer for a long season. Do not plant later than early July.

Step by step

1. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot; lighten heavy soil with organic matter.
2. Plant corms pointed end up, 4–6 in deep for large corms and shallower for small ones.
3. Space 3–6 in apart, rows 20–36 in apart.
4. Stake or tie tall spikes as they grow so wind does not topple them.
5. Cut spikes when the lowest flowers open; leave the leaves on the plant.
6. After foliage dies back, dig corms, discard the old shriveled corm and dry the new one.
7. Store in mesh bags in a cool, airy, frost-free place.

Common problems

Pets

ASPCA lists gladiolus as toxic to cats and dogs; the corms are the most concerning part. Keep stored corms out of reach. If in doubt, ask your vet.

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