How to grow gladiolus and what to pay attention to

Gladiolus is a relatively tall potted plant. As one of the "four major cut flowers", it has a long history. Many people like to cultivate it, but many people will encounter many problems when planting it. Let's talk about how to cultivate gladiolus and what precautions to take.

1. Soil preparation

Choose fertile, loose, well-drained soil. Gladiolus prefers neutral or slightly acidic soil. Before planting, add organic fertilizer or well-rotted compost to the soil to provide nutrients and improve soil texture.

2. Planting season

Gladiolus is suitable for planting in spring or autumn. Gladiolus planted in spring can bloom in summer, while gladiolus planted in autumn can bloom in the spring of the following year.

3. Planting method

Dig a hole of appropriate depth, usually 15-20 cm. Place the gladiolus bulb in the hole so that its bottom is in contact with the soil, then lightly fill it with soil. Keep the bulbs 15-20 cm apart so that they have enough room to grow.

4. Light and moisture

Gladiolus likes plenty of sunlight, so choose a sunny location for planting. Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering. During the growing period, water moderately depending on the weather and soil moisture.

5. Support and fertilization

For taller gladiolus varieties, support poles can be set up to prevent the plant from falling over. During the growing period, you can apply an appropriate amount of organic fertilizer or special flower fertilizer according to the instructions on the package.

6. Suitable temperature

The most suitable growth temperature for gladiolus is 21 to 26 degrees during the day and 11 to 16 degrees at night. Gladiolus is not cold-resistant in winter. Its growth will be inhibited in an environment below 2 degrees, and the developing flower buds will also stop growing. During the stage of flower bud differentiation, a certain temperature difference is required to grow better.

7. Proper ventilation

Gladiolus requires moderate ventilation and humidity control in summer. Ensure adequate air circulation around the plant and avoid excessively humid conditions to prevent the growth of disease.

8. Notes

In rainy weather, pay attention to soil drainage to prevent water accumulation and cause gladiolus root rot. After the gladiolus blooms, remove the extra branches. Also, add more water during the flowering period, avoid water shortage, and keep the soil in the pot moist. Protect the bulbs after the flowers fade.

That’s it