Table of Contents
Gladiolus flowers are a popular choice for gardeners seeking vibrant, tall blooms that add color and elegance to any garden. Proper care throughout the year ensures healthy growth and abundant flowering. This guide provides a month-by-month care calendar to help you maintain your gladiolus plants successfully.
January: Planning and Preparation
Use this time to plan your garden layout and purchase high-quality corms. Store any remaining corms in a cool, dry place until planting season. Prepare your soil by adding compost or organic matter to improve fertility.
February: Early Preparations
Start ordering gladiolus corms if you haven’t already. Begin cleaning and inspecting your tools. Consider starting some corms indoors in pots if you live in a colder climate to get a head start.
March: Planting Time
Plant gladiolus corms outdoors after the last frost date. Space corms about 4-6 inches apart and plant them 4 inches deep. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to retain moisture.
April: Growing and Monitoring
Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. Watch for pests like thrips and aphids, and treat infestations promptly.
May: Supporting Growth
As plants grow taller, provide staking or support to prevent toppling. Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Remove weeds to reduce competition for nutrients.
June: Peak Bloom
Expect the first blooms to appear. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Water consistently and monitor for pests and diseases. Enjoy the vibrant colors of your gladiolus.
July: Continued Care
Maintain watering and fertilizing routines. Support tall stems as needed. Watch for signs of fungal diseases like botrytis and remove affected foliage.
August: Preparing for Dormancy
As flowering declines, reduce watering gradually. Allow foliage to yellow naturally to store energy in the corms. Remove dead or diseased leaves to prevent disease spread.
September: Harvest and Digging
Once the foliage has fully yellowed, carefully dig up the corms. Clean off soil and inspect for damage. Discard any diseased or damaged corms.
October: Corm Storage
Allow corms to dry in a warm, well-ventilated area for a few days. Store them in a paper bag or mesh container in a cool, dark, and dry location until next planting season.
November: Off-Season Maintenance
Inspect stored corms periodically for signs of rot or pests. Keep them dry and well-ventilated. Prepare your garden tools and plan for next year’s planting.
December: Reflection and Planning
Review your gardening successes and challenges from the past year. Make notes for improvements. Consider ordering new corms or experimenting with different varieties for next season.