How to Plant Gladiolus Bulbs Pointy Side Up

Till the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches in a location that receives six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

Remove rocks, roots and other debris from the soil. Freeing the soil of stones and debris provides room for roots to grow.

Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure over the area and work it into the soil. Some gardeners prefer to add organic matter to the planting hole, but either method works well.

Add 2 cups 10-10-10 or 8-8-8 fertilizer per 100 square feet. Work it in well with the soil. Ronald C. Smith, extension horticulturist at North Dakota State University, explains that some gardeners prefer to apply 1 cup fertilizer per 100 of row 2 inches below bulbs at planting time and side dress with the remaining 1 cup in midseason. Both methods provide the nutrients gladiolus need to thrive.

Measure the diameter of the gladiolus corms to determine the planting depth. Dig a hole four times the diameter of the corm. For example, if the corm is 2 inches in diameter, dig a planting hole 8 inches deep.

Position the gladiolus corm in the bottom of the planting hole so the flat side faces down and the pointed end points up. Healthy gladiolus corms are slightly raised to a point at the top with a flattened bottom. Small corms may appear disc-shaped. Look for tiny roots around the perimeter of the the corm, and plant with the roots facing downward, if you have difficulty telling the top from the bottom.

Cover the bulbs with soil and firm the soil down by hand. This secures the bulb in the soil and eliminates air pockets.

Water thoroughly to moisten the soil to the depth of the bulbs. Keep the soil moist until new growth appears. Reduce watering to once or twice a week or when the soil dries 1 inch below the surface.