How to Store Gladiolus

Dig up gladiolus corms after the first frost in fall. Use a garden spade and gently dig around the perimeter of the plant.

Grasp the foliage of the gladiolus plant at the base, beside the soil level. Gently lift the plant from the soil once the corms have been exposed through digging.

Shake the soil from the corms. Examine the corm closely to determine its health. It should show no discoloration, soft spots or areas of fungus. Discard any corm that is soft, mushy or shows discoloration.

Clip the top foliage 2 inches away from the corm using a pair of hand shears. Discard the top foliage.

Pry away the small corms around the base of the large corm to store separately. The small corms may not flower immediately the following season after planting but require two or more years to reach an adequate size to produce blossoms.

Spread the corms out on a dry towel in full sunlight. Allow the corms to adequately dry over days.

Place the corms in a tray. Store the bulbs for three weeks in a room with a temperature of 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Purdue University.

Break away the old corm from the underpart of the new corm. Discard the old, shriveled corm.

Dust the gladiolus corms with a bulb fungicide for bulb storage. A wide variety of bulb fungicides are available at garden supply stores. Follow the directions on the label for application.

Place the corms in a paper bag. Store the corms in an area that is dry. The temperature should remain 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the winter.