How to plant gladiolus?

How should you plant gladiolus?

If you want beautiful gladiolus in your garden in the summer, it is best to plant the tubers in April or May. Gladiolus tubers cannot withstand frost, so keep this in mind when you plan to plant. Due to the frost, the cells in the tuber can freeze and no flower will develop. If are still frosts in April, put some moss or leaves on top of the place where the tubers are planted. The gladioli flower from July to September.

Gladiolus tubers are best planted in a sunny spot. Sunlight is necessary for proper stem development. If you plant the tuber in a shaded place, the stem often becomes weaker, grow too tall and can fall over or break off. In addition, fewer flowers develop.

How deep do you plant a gladiolus tuber?

Plant a gladiolus about 10 cm deep and 10 cm apart. The tubers of the large gladiolus species should be planted deeper so that they stand firmly in the ground. To prevent the stems from blowing over, it is important to plant the tubers in a sheltered spot or to finally secure the stems with twine or a rack.

What is the best soil for gladiolus?

If you plant gladiolus in a nutrient-rich, calcareous, airy and well-drained soil, the soil does not need to be fertilized. Make sure the soil stays moist. If there has been no rain, it is important to water the soil. 

How do you plant gladiolus in pots?

Smaller types of gladiolus such as the Nanus and butterfly species are best planted in pots. These more compact varieties look beautiful combined with other summer bloomers in a pot. It is important that the pot is well drained, otherwise the plant will drown. The soil must be moist, but if it is too wet, the remaining water must be able to drain. You can also plant the larger gladiolus in pots, but make sure you use an extra large pot. The stem is very long and heavy, so consider a support and the pot can be sturdy and somewhat larger.   

When the tubers are planted, place the pot in the sun so that the flowers develop well. Always put some sturdy stakes near the gladiolus when they come up. As a result, the stems are less likely to fall over or blow over.