GROWING GUIDE - GLADIOLUS

Looking to grow beautiful, healthy gladiolus in your garden? You've come to the right place! This comprehensive growing guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from planting to harvest.

QUICK FACTS

• Soil: Can be worked
• Suitable for Canadian growing conditions
• Follow package instructions for best results
• Contact T&T Seeds for personalized growing advice

PLANTING

Open bags immediately upon arrival. If not planting right away, store corms in open trays in a cool, dry place, arranged in a single layer with the base facing down. Plant corms in early spring, about two weeks before the last expected frost date, when the soil can be worked.

Choose a full-sun location for best flowering, though gladiolus can tolerate partial shade. Space corms 6–10 in. apart, planting larger corms deeper (2–6 in. deep). Cover corms with about 1.5 in. of soil initially, adding more as the shoot grows.

Staking may be required to prevent wind damage.

TIMING

• Plant in spring once the danger of frost has passed
• Corms should be dug up about two months after flowers fade or sooner if frost occurs

SOIL & WATERING

• Prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil
• If soil is heavy (clay), grow in raised beds and loosen soil to 12 in. deep before planting
• Water deeply at least once a week, ensuring about 1 in. of water per week
• Increase watering during drought conditions
• Apply a 2–3 in. mulch layer (straw or bark) to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds

FERTILIZING

Mix compost into the soil before planting. Apply an organic, water-soluble fertilizer when plants reach 10 in. tall and again when flower buds begin to show colour.

HARVESTING & MAINTENANCE

• Cut flower stalks in the morning when the lower three blossoms begin to open
• Leave at least four leaves on the plant to rejuvenate the corm for next year
• Remove faded flowers to prevent self-seeding, as seedlings take years to bloom and can become weedy

OVERWINTERING

After the first fall frost, dig up corms and trim tops close to the corm. Cure corms in a well-ventilated area at 26°C for a week. Store corms in a cool, dry place (10°C) after dusting with an insecticide/fungicide.

After a few weeks, snap off the old corm, clean off soil and roots, and allow the corms to callous in circulating air before storing for winter.

READY TO START GROWING?

Browse our selection of high-quality gladiolus and get everything you need to start your garden today!

Shop now at T&T Seeds for the best selection of plants, seeds, and gardening supplies.

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