Do Gladiolus Flower More Than Once Per Season?

Description

• Gladiolus is a summer-blooming perennial that typically grows best in USDA zones 6 through 10. This low-maintenance flower possesses a bulb-like structure called a corm. Gladioli, sometimes referred to as glads, can grow in nearly every type of soil and usually produce tall blossoms that come in a variety of colors, including a shades of red, pink, yellow, orange, white and multicolored. Due to their height and vibrant, diverse colors, gardeners often plant gladioli along borders and in the back of flower beds, and use them as cut flowers for bouquets.

Growing Characteristics

• While gladiolus flowers are not known to bloom twice in the same season, you can ensure continuous flowers throughout the season by staggering the planting of bulbs. Planting gladiolus corms in intervals during spring, after the last danger of frost, can help to ensure summer and early fall blossoms. Although mulching and fertilizing are not necessary, especially for first year blossoms, they are beneficial when replanting previously used corms. Full sunlight, well-drained soil, regular watering throughout the summer to keep the soil moist, and removal of dead flowers and foliage are also important to maintaining an environment conducive to maximum growth.

Considerations

• There are several species, including summer and winter varieties, of gladioli. If you desire gladiolus flowers for more than a single season, plant a variety including early, mid-season and late cultivars. Ideally, begin corm planting in mid-May, or when the soil is warm, then again every two weeks through mid-June to help create blooming intervals. Although larger corms may bloom earlier regardless of when they were planted, this schedule will help to ensure that gladiolus flowers are constant and plentiful through July and August.

Warning

• Although gladioli are hardy plants, they are vulnerable to certain diseases and pests that may damage the plant, preventing it from reaching its maximum potential. To prevent damaged corms from affecting surrounding plants, examine corms thoroughly prior to planting. Stunted or discolored corms could be a sign of virus infection or thrip infestation. Control thrips, which are tiny insects, with garden sprays and by practicing "crop rotation." By changing planting locations from year to year, gladiolus corms are less susceptible to conditions that promote insect infestation.