Gladiolus x hortulanus
flowerGarden gladiolus is the towering summer cut flower beloved for generations, sending up dramatic sword-like spikes three to five feet tall lined with large funnel-shaped flowers that open from the bottom up in nearly every color imaginable. The name comes from the Latin for sword, for the blade-shaped leaves. Grown from corms planted each spring, glads are tender and are dug and stored over winter in cold climates or simply replanted each year. Planting a few corms every couple of weeks through spring gives a steady supply of spikes for cutting all summer long.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 6 days
Bloom
~85 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
tender perennial
Perennial in warm zones; grown as an annual where winters freeze
Spacing
5-6 in. apart
Planting Depth
Plant corms 4-6 in. deep after the last frost; stake tall types
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Soil Type
Fertile, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
When to Fertilize
At planting and again when flower spikes begin to form
Fertilizer
Balanced or low-nitrogen bloom fertilizer
Plant gladiolus corms in spring after the last frost, four to six inches deep and five to six inches apart, in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; the deep planting helps anchor the tall, top-heavy spikes. For a continuous show, plant a new batch every two weeks until early July, since each corm blooms only once for about two weeks. Water in dry spells and stake tall varieties or plant them in a block for mutual support. They are reliably hardy only in zones 8 to 10; in colder zones, dig the corms after the foliage is killed by frost, cure them, and store cool and dry over winter, or just buy fresh corms each spring.
🌼 Have a different variety?Cultivars of the same species usually share the same basic care — they differ mainly in flower color, height, and bloom form, not in how you grow them. So this guide still applies even if your exact variety isn't the one shown.
Direct sow
Apr 15
Projected first bloom
Jul 9
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
The major gladiolus pest, streaking flowers and leaves silvery - inspect corms before planting, remove debris, and treat heavy infestations; dust stored corms to kill overwintering thrips
Rinse colonies off buds and foliage and encourage beneficial insects
Plant only firm, healthy corms in well-drained soil, and cure dug corms well before dry winter storage
Gladiolus is one of the great cut flowers - cut the spike in the cool morning when the lowest one to three florets have just opened and the rest still show color as tight buds, and they will continue opening up the spike in the vase for a week or more. Leave at least four leaves on the plant so the corm can rebuild for storage. Cut on a slant and stand the spikes upright in deep water, since laid-down stems curve their tips upward.
A purely ornamental summer corm grown for its spectacular cut-flower spikes. Bees and hummingbirds visit the open funnel-shaped flowers, but glads are prized above all as a long-lasting cut flower for arrangements.
Gladiolus is mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with the highest concentration in the corm; eating it can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is not a danger to handle or grow around - just keep the corms, especially those in winter storage, out of reach of pets.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.