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Gladiolus cardinalis

Please remove your plant carefully from its packaging

Pot size -- You may transplant your plant to a 1-2 gallon pot.  Avoid using a black pot, which can overheat the roots. Transplant carefully to avoid disturbing the roots. 

Soil -- Use well draining soil.  You may use potting soil mixed with perlite, in a 2 to 1 ratio.  Do not add fertilizer at planting time. 

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

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

Feeding -- Starting 2-3 weeks after transplanting, feed it about every 6 weeks during periods of active growth using a fertilizer that is low in phosphorous.  It doesn't need to have zero phosphorous, just low relative to nitrogen and potassium, such as 10-2-8.  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, the soil should remain relatively 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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