The reason I’m so fond of Gladiolus plants is because they were one of my first successes in terms of flower gardening. I’d been into gardening for a couple of years and had had a couple of harrowing experiences with growing flowering plants. My mum would joke that my big hands were unsuited to things as delicate as flowers! My gorgeous gladiolus flowers not only put an end to mum’s teasing, they also gave me the confidence to try my hands at gardening with other flowering plants. I’m definitely a better gardener now and I now know the real reason for my success with gladiolus plants- they’re exceptionally easy to grow! Keen on adding these lovely plants to your garden, here’s all you need to know about growing gladiolus.
Gladiolus plants do best in locations that offer full sun and rich, well drained soil. They do, however, need protection against strong winds. It’s best to keep these factors in mind and pick the planting site accordingly. You can plant gladiolus bulbs in rows, as also in small groups. A couple of weeks before planting, clear out all debris and weeds from the planting site and mix good quantities of peat moss or other organic material to the soil.
The hole for planting gladiolus bulb should be just a little larger than the root ball. Gently lower the plant into the hole and wrap the soil firmly around the base. Allow a gap of 3-6 inches between adjacent plants. This will ensure good air circulation. A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch is a great way of checking the growth of weeds. Also, the mulch will act as a reservoir of moisture and nutrients that the young plants can draw from. Make sure to irrigate your plants regularly, especially during the dry periods.
And that’s pretty much all you need to grow gladiolus plants. Give it a shot, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do!
