How to Pick a Gladiolus

Gladioli are long-lasting cut flowers that look good in the vase on their own or combined with other flowers. When planting glads for cutting, give them their own area, or plant them in groups in corners or ends of the flower border. Groupings look better in the border, and they are more accessible for cutting than when they are spread across the back of the border. Make sure they get at least an inch of water a week, either from rainfall or irrigation, for the best quality blooms at cutting time.

Bucket of lukewarm water
Pruners or sharp knife
Vase
Floral preservative

Instructions

- 1
  Cut flower spikes with one to three open blossoms using a sharp knife or pruners. Flowers continue to bloom once in the vase. Cut early in the morning before the spikes begin to dry in the sun. Make a diagonal cut, leaving at least four leaves on the plant to provide nutrition for next year's blooms.
- 2
  Place the cut spikes in a bucket of lukewarm water immediately. Place the bucket in a cool, dark location for several hours once you finish collecting flowers.
- 3
  Arrange the flower spikes in a vase containing water and floral preservative.
- 4
  Snip off spent flowers daily to keep the bouquet looking fresh.
- 5
  Change the water daily and cut off 1 to 2 inches from the bottom of the spike every day or two to improve water absorption.

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