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Gladiolus

Cut Flower Care Guide

Gladioli produce tall, dramatic spikes of color that are essential for large arrangements and market bouquets. Plant corms in succession from spring through early summer for a continuous supply of these bold, architectural stems. Each corm produces one spike, so plant generously for production.

🌱 Planting Guide

When to Plant After last frost, succession plant every 2 weeks from late April through June for continuous harvest
Planting Depth 4–6 inches deep (deeper in sandy soil for support)
Spacing 6–8 inches between corms; 18–24 inches between rows
Soil Well-drained sandy loam, pH 6.0–6.5. Heavy clay leads to rot.
Sunlight Full sun — 6–8 hours minimum

💡 Tips

  • Choose larger corms (1.5 inches+) for the best flower spikes
  • Plant in blocks rather than single rows for mutual wind support
  • Succession planting every 2 weeks is essential for continuous production
  • Soak corms in lukewarm water for 2 hours before planting to speed sprouting
  • Support netting is essential — glad spikes are top-heavy

📅 Month-by-Month Care Calendar

Jan

Order corms from specialty suppliers. Plan succession planting schedule.

Feb

Finalize orders. Prepare bed maps for staggered plantings.

Mar

Inspect stored corms. Discard soft or diseased ones. Prepare beds.

Apr

Plant first succession after last frost. Install support netting.

May

Plant second succession. Water and feed first planting.

Jun

Plant final succession. Begin harvesting earliest plantings. Scout for thrips.

Jul

Peak harvest. Continue watering and feeding. Monitor for thrips.

Aug

Continue harvesting later successions. Allow spent plants to mature corms.

Sep

Final harvests. Begin digging earliest-planted corms 4–6 weeks after flowering.

Oct

Dig remaining corms before hard frost. Begin curing process.

Nov

Finish curing. Sort, clean, and store corms. Record variety notes.

Dec

Check stored corms. Plan next season's order and succession schedule.