Home > Projects >

How to grow Gladioli

You will need: Gladioli corms, Spade, Fork, Sand, Watering Can

Gladioli have fallen out of favour over recent years, which is a shame. They add colour and height to the border in summer as well as providing excellent cut flowers, if you wish. There are many colours to choose from, so you will be able to find one to blend in with your scheme.

Best time to do it:

Step 1

Make sure that the corms are healthy before you plant them. Mould can spread, so it is best to discard any that show signs of a problem. The base of the corm is flat and has signs of old roots.

Step 2

Allow room between the corms for the plants to grow. If you wish to stake each plant individually for show blooms, allow a wide spacing, but if you are happy to support them together as a clump, they can be closer.

Step 3

Water well after planting to settle the soil around the corms. If you may be digging in the area, mark the position of the corms with a plant label so you do not disturb them.

Step 4

If your soil is inclined to hold water, put a layer of sand in the bottom of the planting hole before you place the corms. This allows good drainage in the critical area at the base of the corm and saves them rotting.

Related FAQs

Ask a gardening question:

Latest Gardening News

Taking the Pip

The Cottage Garden Society 'Grow In Pots' For The Malvern Show

BBC Gardeners' World Live announces exciting new features for 2024

We Review 'Containers' By Ann Treneman

Gardening Projects for April

---

How to: Maintenance Pruning

How to: New orchids from old

How to turf a lawn

How to plant through weed-suppressing membrane

Latest Gardening Videos

---

Treating white fly and red spider mite

Dealing with lily beetles

Removing a Tree

How to Grow Orchids

Lawn Drainage

Rooting Cuttings

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

Gardens of Versailles
Versailles, France

Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

The New York Botanical Garden
New York, United States

Nongnooch Tropical Garden
Pattaya, Thailand

Humble Administrator's Garden
Suzhou, China

Pukekura Park
New Plymouth, New Zealand