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Gladiolus cardinalis

The bulbs should be planted in September/October (unless they happen to sprout sooner).  Until then, store them in a paper bag in cool spot.

Pot size -- You bulbs will be happy in a 1 gallon (4 liter) pot.  The pot needs drainage holes 

Soil -- Use well draining soil.  You may use potting soil mixed with perlite in a 2 to 1 ratio.

Planting the bulb -- Fill the pot to within 3 inches (7 cm) of the top with soil.  Then place a 1/2 inch (15 mm) layer of perlite down, place the bulb on top, lay another 1/2 inch layer of perlite over the bulb, and continue filling the pot with soil.  The purpose of the perlite layer is to prevent rot.  Water the soil lightly, so it is moist as a wrung-out sponge.  Put the pot in a cool spot out of direct sun.  As soon as it sprouts, start increasing the water and move it into sun.

Watering:  During the growing season, this Gladiolus likes moist soil and shouldn't be allowed to dry out.  It shouldn't be kept soggy however.  When the leaves start to die back in the summer, withhold all water, since the plant is preparing for dormancy.  

Sunlight -- The plant appreciates mostly-sunny conditions.  In warmer areas, it may be a good idea to give it some afternoon shade.  

Feeding -- During periods of active growth, feed about every 6 weeks using a fertilizer that's relatively low in phosphorous.  The fertilizer should have at least twice the nitrogen as phosphorous.  If you're not sure what any of this means, just print this page and ask your local garden shop for the right fertilizer.

Dormancy care -- Once the leaves die back in the summer, keep the soil dry until the fall.  A small amount of moisture is okay, especially to keep the soil from becoming bone-dry.  Store the pot in a cool area (60-70°F / 15-21°C) until the fall.  After a couple of years, you may pull the bulb and separate any bulblets if you wish.

Have fun growing it!

Jeff

Strange Wonderful Things

 

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