Gladiolus, commonly called 鈥榞lads,鈥 are the designated birthday flower for August. They represent qualities of faithfulness, integrity, and persistence.
Gladiolus, part of the Iris family, are native to Africa and some parts of Europe. There are over 250 species and 30,000 cultivars.
Most hybrids in south central Texas are grandifloras, hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 10. Grandifloras have sword-like leaves and 3 to 4-foot stalks. Classic orchid-like blossoms are 4 to 6-inches wide. Each stalk bears 12 to 20 blossoms. The soft pastels, vivid bold colors, bi-colors, ruffles, textures, and doubles look spectacular.
Grandiflora dwarfs are similar, but have shorter stalks and 2 to 3-inch wide open-faced blooms.
Unlike bulbs of true lilies, the corms of glads are underground stems for food storage. This design is nature鈥檚 way of survival in Africa鈥檚 dry season. It might be an asset in Texas also.
Planting starts with choosing healthy firm corms, without scars, twists, cuts, or soft areas. The bigger the corm, the larger the plant and the stalks under ideal growing conditions. However, size is also dependent on the variety.
Glads prefer fertile, well-drained loamy soil, ample weekly watering, and protection from wind. Planting Grandiflora corms 3 to 6鈥 apart in groups of 7 to 10 produces an outstanding display and allows stalks to support each other.
Plant 6鈥 deep, pointed side up. Some vendors recommend 8鈥 deep for large corms so the stalks have more support.
Staggered-planting every two weeks from mid-February to April provides continuous blooms during most of the summer. The last group may be planted in partial shade in anticipation of the summer heat.
We can look forward to our first blooms in about 90 days. Blooms, opening from bottom of the spike up, last about 10 days.
Since large glads tend to flop to the ground, it is best to stake them. Staking plants when they are young is easier than attempting to stake large unwieldy plants.
Slender bamboo canes can be used to prop individual stalks. Stalks can be secured to the bamboo with twine, soft fabric strips or flower clasps.
A full bed of glads can be supported by staking the corners and sides of the planting area, using posts or stakes that are quite sturdy. Corral the glads in rows with twine at 10 and 20 inches above soil line to keep them upright. A temporary fence around tightly clustered glads also works.
Pollinators will appreciate your gladioli garden. Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and moths will be frequent visitors.
Glads, particularly the shorter ones, may be planted in containers. A 3-gallon nursery pot or container with some depth will work fine.
Gladiolus make a dramatic appearance in a vase. We will obviously need a heavy vase. It鈥檚 OK to be daring and combine gladiolus with other flowers in a bold or soft and delicate arrangement. Wine bottles work well for single stalks.
Stalks are ready to cut for the vase when the bottom 2-3 blossoms are open. If cut sooner, the upper flowers may never mature. Cut off those bottom two flowers. Some florists recommend also removing the top two buds on the stalk since they tend to bend or twist. Others prefer to leave them. Stems may be cut to various lengths to suit your arrangement.
It is best to place cut stems directly into water. Adding plant food to the water in the vase allows enough water to be taken in so spikes will bloom to the very tip. Pinching off spent flowers and re-cutting the stems will keep your arrangement fresh and vibrant.
Enjoy your glads 鈥 whether in the garden or in dramatic flower arrangements.
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