An old-time favorite, gladioli are usually grown for elegant flower arrangements. They come in a rainbow of colors, and their long stems mean you can grow armloads of flowers in a small space. Gladioli make great cut flowers. Their sword-like foliage and tall, impressive flower spikes, make stirking accents in the mixed flower border. They are also key elements in a shrub border and amongst perennials. One of the best flowers for arrangements, lasting a week or more in the vase. For best garden effect, plant in groups of six or more of a single color, or grow dozens of them in a bed reserved for cutting. Imagine the luxury of having armloads of glads to display around the house!
Size: Jumbo · Bulb Type: Corm Bloomtime: July-September · Height: 30-40" Foliage: Green · Flower: Orange Exposure: Full Sun · Spacing: 5" Hardiness: Tender – Gladiolus will winter over in the garden in zones 8-11; elsewhere dig them up in the fall and store indoors. When to Plant Outdoors: Plant in the spring, after the ground warms to about 50º F. Easy to grow 1. Dig a hole 4-6" deep. 2. Place corm in hole, pointed side up. 3. Cover with soil and water thoroughly. Planting instructions: Gladiolus will grow in any good garden soil but do need full sun and good drainage. Plant 4" deep in clay soils, 6" deep in others; the deeper the planting the less need for staking. Stake for best appearance and straightest stems. Space planting times at two week intervals from ealy spring to late June to ensure a continuation of mid and late summer blooms. Increase water and fertilizer when flowers begin to develop.