Can I Plant Gladiolus in the Summer?

Time Frame

• Plant gladiola corms in spring after the threat of frost passes. Since the plants take two to three months to finally produce the desirable flower spikes, gardeners often plant corms successively in 10- to 14-day increments. This results in a continual supply of flowers later in summer and early fall.

Considerations

• You may still plant gladiola corms in summer. Keep in mind that 60 to 90 days of frost-free conditions are needed for them to develop flowers. Plant them in summer as long as it's at least two months before the expected first killing frost date of fall in your region.

Planting Insight

• Dig a planting hole to a depth of 6 inches and place the corm, widest side down into the hole. If you're uncertain as to which is the top or bottom of the corm, plant it on its side -- the roots and shoots will orient themselves. In heavy garden soils or if corms are small, make the hole only 3 to 5 inches deep.