The slender gladioli (gladiolus) are very popular as bedding and cut flowers because of their elegant appearance. In recent years, gladioli growers have succeeded in bringing purple, blue and even brown varieties onto the market in addition to the white, yellow, salmon-colored or red flower colors. In nature, gladioli can only be found occasionally in southern Germany. You are strictly protected. If you want to cultivate gladioli yourself, you should watch out for the right planting time.
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site conditions
Gladioli, which come from the warm regions of Africa, need a sunny location. The flowers wither in the shade. The plants can reach a height of up to 1.50 meters. The tall growth habit makes it susceptible to wind. Gladioli should therefore always be grown in a sheltered place. Plant sticks give large specimens additional support.
Gladioli prefer nutrient-rich, humus-rich soil. The plants do not tolerate waterlogging, so drainage made of gravel or coarse sand is recommended. Raised beds are perfect for growing gladioli. The associated increase reduces the risk of waterlogging and the ground heats up quickly.
By the way, the name gladiolus comes from the Latin word “gladis”. It means sword. In many regions, the long, narrow cut flower is also known as sword flower.
Instructions for planting
Gladiolus planting season begins in late May or early June. In this way it can be ruled out that the low temperatures of the ice saints damage the young shoots.
Tubers laid in May lead to flowering in late summer. If you don’t want to wait that long for the beautiful cut flowers, you can prefer gladiolus bulbs in planters. They develop faster and bloom as early as July. Lovers of gladiolus plant the tubers staggered over several weeks and thus extend their enjoyment of the blooms into autumn.
Planting time: from April outdoors
Location: annual change of location required
Planting depth: at least twice the tuber diameter, about 10 centimeters Spacing
: 10 to 15 centimetres, use plant baskets
Drainage: sand or gravel drainage recommended for loamy soil
Insertion: with the flat root surface or the thicker tuber side down Finish
: fill in with soil , press
plant characteristics
Each gladiolus forms a bulb surrounded by a thin skin. New plants develop from these tubers in spring. In summer, decorative flowers gradually unfold from the buds on both sides of the stem. The flowering period lasts from August to October. In warm regions, the first specimens bloom as early as June.
After flowering, gladiolus retreats into the tuber and hibernation begins.
Gladioli are not hardy. If you want to enjoy the impressive flowers again next year, you have to dig up the bulbs in late summer and overwinter them in a dark, frost-free place.
sorts
Gladioli are divided into categories according to their growth form:
- Primulinus gladioli with a flower stalk containing up to 20 flowers
- Nanus gladioli with three flower stalks, each with up to 10 flowers
- Grandiflorus gladioli with a single flower stalk containing more than 20 flowers
