Planting Gladioli
Where and how?
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Gladioli are essential bulbous plants in summer gardens, offering spectacular and colourful flower spikes. Native to South Africa, these elegant and refined plants are valued for their wide variety of colours and shapes, as well as their ease of cultivation. In this advice sheet, we reveal all the secrets for planting and maintaining your gladioli, so you can fully enjoy their generous flowering and striking beauty. Follow our step-by-step recommendations and transform your garden into a true showcase of colours, where gladioli will be the undisputed stars.
Where to plant gladioli?
Gladioli, with their magnificent floral spikes, can truly brighten up a garden! Here are some tips for choosing the best spot to plant them:
- Sun, sun, and more sun: Gladioli love the sun! They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom well. So, choose a sunny spot in your garden.
- Protection from the wind: The stems of gladioli can be quite tall and therefore prone to breaking in the wind. Try to plant them in a sheltered spot or plan to stake them for support.
- Crop rotation: If you plant gladioli year after year, try to change their location to avoid soil diseases that could affect the bulbs.
Read also
How to winter and divide your gladioli?What planting substrate for your gladioli?
They thrive in rich, fertile but well-drained, sandy or stony soil and are not overly afraid of chalky soils but do fear water in winter. To prevent bulbs from rotting, if your soil is heavy or clayey, consider amending it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
When and how to plant gladiolus bulbs
- Plant in full sun, hollow part facing down.
- For a strong visual impact, plant gladiolus bulbs in groups of 7 or more. This creates a beautiful mass effect rather than flowers scattered here and there.
- Space the bulbs or corms 10 to 15 cm apart and cover with 10 cm of well-draining soil or pure sand.
- Fertilise in autumn after cutting the flowers. Avoid using manure as it promotes bulb rot.
- The hardiness of gladiolus is very poor in heavy soil, so they should be lifted when faded or immediately after the first frosts. Cut the leaves and let them dry in a ventilated place for three weeks. Remove the old bulbs. Store the new bulbs and bulblets all winter in a cool place but protected from frost. The bulblets will flower in two years.
Remember, gladiolus are also stunning in bouquets, so feel free to plant a few in a corner of your vegetable garden or in a space dedicated to cut flowers. This way, you can enjoy their beautiful colours both indoors and outdoors!
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