Glad tidings for gladioli in the garden

Credit: GardenWise

Get the best out of your gladioli

Planting gladioli is a little different from planting other summer bulbs – in fact, gladioli are best planted repeatedly, adding more and more to beds, planting new batches every 10 days or so.

Ideally, they are best planted amidst sturdier plants (roses, sedums, thistles, etc.) to provide support. The result is successive waves of new blooms from mid-summer into fall. Most bloom 70 to 80 days after planting, though some bloom faster (55 days) and others slower (90 days).

Gladioli stand tall, with orchid-like blooms borne upright as on a spear. Try planting them in cutting gardens – their colourful blooms are delightfully long-lasting in the vase.