Growing Gladiolus from Bulbs: When to Plant (Photo)

Gladiolus is a very striking plant, but it's important to understand that growing gladioli from bulbs is not easy. Gladiolus won't grow from a bulb on its own, as it requires specific care. Choosing the right bulbs, preparing them, and planting them correctly are equally important.

All preliminary steps have a significant impact on the subsequent health of the plant. One of the most important aspects of growing gladioli is choosing the right location and treating the gladioli bulbs before planting.

Growing gladioli from bulbs

To grow gladioli from bulbs, you need to prepare the growing medium for open ground in advance. First, the bulbs need to be cleared of the scales covering them.

To select a growing location, you must be guided by the following criteria:

• the growing site must be sufficiently moist;
• the plant needs to be provided with the proper amount of light;
• It is not recommended to plant gladioli in lowlands and places where there is a high level of groundwater and a lack of constant air exchange.

Planting gladioli in open ground

Many gardeners are concerned about when to plant gladiolus bulbs outdoors. There's no specific time for planting gladiolus bulbs outdoors, as this depends on the climate of the environment where the gladiolus grows. The soil temperature at the depth at which the plant is planted can help determine the right time.

When planting gladioli in open ground, you must follow the following rules:

• prepare a trench or special holes, the depth of which is determined in accordance with the size of the bulbs;
• At the bottom of the resulting depression, the soil must be dug up;
• add some fertilizer to the soil;
• then the soil needs to be watered thoroughly, as the earth begins to absorb moisture;
• clean sand is poured into the hole or trench, ensuring that it is no more than 1-2 cm thick;
• carefully place the gladiolus bulb into the resulting hole and cover it with soil;
• Place the holes at least 20 cm apart from each other.

Preparing the soil for gladioli

The most suitable soil for growing gladioli is loose, sandy loam. However, if it contains clay, it should be supplemented with sand. The soil should be prepared in the fall by tilling it to a shallow depth and adding humus and lime. Use stale humus, as its purpose is to encourage the plant's flowers, not its leaves.

Preparing gladiolus bulbs for planting

It's important to immediately determine which gladiolus bulbs are suitable for planting. First and foremost, they must be pre-treated and free of structural defects.

If the bulbs haven't been cleaned before planting, this procedure is essential. After removing bulbs unsuitable for planting, select those that require treatment. To do this, cut out the affected area and fill the resulting hole with crushed charcoal, then seal it with brilliant green. Many gardeners are interested in how to prepare gladiolus bulbs for spring planting. To do this, treat the bulbs with a solution of products such as "Maxim" or "Fundazol" before planting.

How to germinate gladioli before planting

After preparing the gladiolus bulbs, you need to germinate them before planting. Many beginning gardeners wonder how to germinate gladiolus bulbs before planting. Although germinating is not a necessary procedure, it is recommended to speed up the blooming of gladiolus flowers.

The most favorable time for such procedures is early to mid-April. The trimmed bulbs are placed in a single layer, stem-side up, in a box. This box is placed in a dry location with low-diffused light. This manipulation will allow the bulbs to sprout more quickly.

The optimal size of gladiolus bulbs for planting

Many flower lovers are interested in the optimal size of gladiolus bulbs for planting. In this case, it's 3.5-4.5 cm.

Avoid purchasing large bulbs, as they are unlikely to produce large flowers. Therefore, choose bulbs no more than 4 cm in diameter, which should be shiny and wrinkle-free.

Processing bulbs before planting

Pre-planting treatment of gladiolus bulbs involves removing excess skin. Unwanted growths and spots are trimmed with a knife not only from partially rotted new bulbs but also from those requiring renewal and propagation. After trimming, it's important to leave at least one living bud on the plant's tuber.

Among the most effective methods of treating gladiolus bulbs before planting

• distinguish:
• placing the bulbs in a solution of potassium permanganate;
• the use of growth stimulants, which are used for indoor plants and flower beds;
• Many experienced gardeners prefer to scald the bulbs with boiling water, after which they rinse them in cold water;
• A solution of microelements is used; it is more effective than boiling water, but not as safe for the condition of the bulb itself.

Caring for gladioli in open ground

After you've completed all the steps necessary for properly planting gladiolus bulbs outdoors, you need to constantly monitor the plant's condition. Gladiolus care requires special attention, as this flower is quite unruly.

The main points of caring for gladiolus are as follows:

1. Regular watering. If the soil beneath the plant is dry, it should be watered every evening.
2. Feed your plant periodically, especially once shoots reach a height of over 10 cm. Add humus and mulch to the soil to prevent overheating and excessive water evaporation.
3. Oxygenate the soil where your gladiolus grows. To do this, loosen the soil periodically and weed the emerging flowers. This will help eliminate weeds.
4. Stake gladioli that reach a height of over five feet. If necessary, you can attach a stake to each flower to provide additional support.
5. Cut the gladiolus, leaving a piece of stem with several living leaves on it above the surface.

Pest control

Despite gladioli's resilience, they are still susceptible to various diseases. These include primarily fungal diseases, which can only be prevented by treating the bulbs with special solutions that combat infection. However, to prevent further disease progression, it is necessary to prune and remove diseased parts of the gladioli promptly, or, if the entire gladioli cannot be saved, remove the entire shoot.

Beginning gardeners often wonder how to grow gladioli from bulbs in their garden or how to grow gladioli from bulbs using standard methods. First and foremost, it's important to focus on the health of the future plants, as this approach is fundamental to the successful development of gladioli.

Digging up gladiolus bulbs

Gladiolus tubers should be dug up a month to a month and a half after the plant has finished blooming. However, in the northern regions of the country, gladioli bloom late, so the bulbs don't have time to ripen during this period.

Be careful! Keep in mind that if the bulbs accidentally break off from the stem and remain in the soil, there's a risk that the gladioli varieties you're growing may mix in the spring, causing the area to quickly become overgrown. Never leave the bulbs in the ground; be sure to remove them!

Growing miniature gladioli at home

Use a pot no taller than 25 cm. Then fill the bottom with 3 cm of drainage material and top with fertile soil. Make a small hole in the center and water it. The bulbs should also be prepared by mid-April. Place the bulb in the hole, then cover it with soil and water thoroughly. To create favorable growing conditions for the gladiolus, place the pot in a well-lit area of ​​the apartment.