Right now, bulbs and tubers plants are popping up in the most amazing colours. New varieties of gladioli bulbs are out on the local market. Every year at this time, you can see all the new varieties.
Gladiolus (plural gladioli) commonly called Sword Lily gets its name from the Latin word Gladius which means sword, referring to the shape of the leaves.
Gladiolus comes from the bulb family and the bulbs are referred to as corms. Gladioli are native to the Mediterranean and South Africa. If you could gather all of the gladioli from these areas you would end up with a giant bouquet of approximately 200 different species. However, most of the gladioli we grow in our gardens are hybrids which have been hybridized for over 100 years.
Plant gladioli in a rich sand soil (one part being rich loam) in full sun. Set corms at least 4 – 6 inches deep in the soil and press down firmly. Spread the corms 3 – 4 inches apart from each other. Do not overcrowd them. Water lightly. Fertilize with Blue Granules or Osmocote slow release plant food. Plants will take at least 2 months to flower.
Gladioli produce large spikes of flowers which may need to be staked. These flowers are vibrant and beautiful. Gladioli are rated as top-ranking among cut flowers and are great in floral arrangements. The flowers are prized for being long lasting and easy to arrange.
I have been growing gladioli for many years. My oldest corm is about 20 years old. It keeps multiplying and puts out the most amazing Peach/Orange spikes of flowers several times a year. During the year it has a rest period then it will come right up again.
Amazingly my gladioli survived the 2005 floods. I really thought I had lost them, but to my surprise many months after they came right up.
Red, Yellow, Pink, White, Lilac, Orange, Purple and Cream gladioli are available on the local market. Plant a few of these Corms for long lasting flowers.
Until next week, happy gardening.
