Gladiolus grow best in full sun and in a place that is somewhat protected from heavy winds.  They also require an area with good drainage as they do not tolerate "wet feet".  Do not plant them close to gourds, cucumbers or squash since the cucumber beetle spreads a virus to the Gladiolus bulbs.  Plant Gladiolus once the danger of frost has passed and it takes on average approximately 100 days for them to flower.  You should plant the bulbs 6 inches deep and 3 inches apart.  The pointed part of the bulb should face upwards and you need to firm the soil around the bulb so there are no air pockets between the bulb and the soil.  Plant in intervals of two weeks to enjoy Gladiolus flowers all Summer long and into early Fall.  If it gets too warm (over 55 degrees), you can also store the bulbs in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator until your next planting interval.

After planting, be sure to water well, especially in warm weather.  Once the flower spikes start showing, you should "hill them up" so that they will grow straight and survive windy days.  Fertilize the bulbs three times with a 10-10-10 fertilizer, once right after planting, once when they are about 6 inches tall and once right after flowering.  Be on the lookout for a pest called THRIP...Spray the Gladiolus once a week with Orthene, Malathion or Sevin.  

Once the foliage begins to die down (about 1 month after flowering), you should dig up the bulbs in areas where they are not hardy (zones 3-7).  Let them dry and then clean away any dirt and old roots.  Dust the bulbs with an insecticide before storing them in a dry, airy and cool place.  

As always, all orders over $50.00 receive 10 FREE Gladiolus and, when you sign our guestbook, you will get a 10% discount on your first online order.