How to Plant Gladiolus

Plant gladiolus bulbs pointed end up, 4–6 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart, after frost. They bloom about 8–10 weeks later, so plant a new batch every two weeks for flowers all summer.

How to Plant Gladiolus
When to plant
After danger of frost has passed, then a fresh batch every 2 weeks until early July
Depth
4–6 inches deep for large bulbs, about 3 inches for small bulbs
Spacing
4–6 inches apart
Sun
At least 6 hours of direct sun
Water
About 1 inch a week; keep watering after flowering while the leaves are green
Soil
Well-drained, medium fertility, pH 6.0–6.5

Step by step

  1. Choose a site with full sun and good drainage, sheltered from strong wind that can knock over tall spikes.
  2. Loosen the bed 12–15 inches deep and mix in a 2–4 inch layer of compost.
  3. For tall varieties, put stakes in now, before the bulbs, so you don't damage them later.
  4. Set each bulb pointed end up, 4–6 inches deep, and 4–6 inches apart.
  5. Cover, firm the soil and water thoroughly.
  6. Once shoots show, spread 2–4 inches of mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down.
  7. Feed with a complete fertilizer such as 5-10-5 when plants are 6–10 inches tall and again when flower spikes start to show, keeping it 4–6 inches from the stems.
  8. Plant another batch every two weeks until early July for a steady run of flowers.

After bloom

Remove spent flowers as they fade and cut each stalk down when its last flowers finish. Leave the leaves standing; they feed next year's bulb. In zones colder than 7, dig the bulbs when the leaves start to die back, usually 6–8 weeks after bloom and before hard freezing. Cut the stalks 1–2 inches above the bulb. Cure in a warm, dry, airy place at 60–70°F for 2–3 weeks, then twist off and discard the old shriveled bulb at the base. Store the new bulbs in mesh bags in a cool, dry, airy room at 35–45°F. Replant in spring.
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