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Gladiolus – August's Flower
Unique in many ways, Gladioli are a lovely addition to the home garden.
Named for its sword-like foliage (gladius is sword in Latin) and
featuring funnel-shaped flowers, this perennial corm is a late summer classic.
Successful in many zones ranging from Florida to Canada, gladioli are readily
available from the florist, too.
History of
Gladiolus
A member of the Iris Family,
most of the gladioli species are native to South Africa. Around 1850, the first
of the large type of gladiolus was created with improved characteristics such as
color, form, and size. Much of the cultivation of this beautiful plant has taken
place in the United States, particularly in Long Island, Europe, and also South
Africa.
Growing Gladiolus
Gladiolus grows
from a corm, a fleshy underground stem, which is different from a bulb. Plant the corms
in the early spring as soon as the soil warms. Plant them 6 inches apart, 4-6
inches deep in well-turned, rich soil. Gladioli can be
planted in rows, but in clusters will provide vertical support for each other.
They will bloom 75 to 90 days after planting.  By planting them successively throughout
the spring and early summer, you can enjoy blooms throughout July, August, and
into the fall.
To aid the plants, keep the surface of the soil loosened
and water if necessary. Stake tall plants as needed. To use in indoor
arrangements, cut spikes, slaning upward, in the morning after one or two florets have
opened. Leave at least two leaves on each plant. Place spikes in cool water
immediately. All florets will open eventually if water is kept fresh and cool.
If spikes are left in the garden during blooming, cut them down (leaving leaves
intact) when flowers have wilted.
In zones 7-10, glads may stay in the
ground through the winter. In cooler zones, dig up the corms in the fall, when
the foliage has died down, before a hard freeze. Cut the tops within 1/2 inch of
the corm and remove the old withered corms. Store corms in a well-ventilated,
cool area – about 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
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