Gladioli - also known as sword flower - are a real eye-catcher both in the vase and in the garden. We have valuable tips about gladiolus.
Gladiolus (Gladiolus) are a real eye-catcher in summer and come in the most unusual colors. The colorful garden gladiolus (Gladiolus x hortulanus) are particularly popular as gladioli grown in this country. A special feature of the unusual flower in its natural environment is that it survives in the ground as a tuber and sprout again from year to year. In order to get the cold-sensitive gladiolus through the winter, however, proper care is required. We show you how to grow your own gladioli in the garden and how to properly care for them.
Gladioli: distribution and flowering time
Gladioli are often planted in Germany, but their original home is in warmer climes. The plant is native to around 250 species between the Mediterranean and southern Africa and occurs in a wide variety of colors. The plants are known for their eye-catching and beautiful flowers, which appear at different times depending on the species and variety. The flowering time of early-flowering gladioli is in June, with late-flowering specimens the plant can take its time until September.
Are gladioli poisonous?
Because of its striking appearance, many people wonder whether the gladiolus is actually poisonous. In fact, the plant is non-toxic in all parts and can even be partially consumed. The young flowers in particular are considered particularly aromatic.
Plant gladioli
In the case of the warmth-loving gladioli, a few tips are required so that planting works well. We'll show you what to look out for.
Plant gladioli when?
Gladioli are extremely sensitive to cold and can be planted in the garden from April at the earliest. In harsher areas, you should generally only plant from May to June to avoid the last frostsbypass. In very mild regions, on the other hand, gladioli can also be planted in autumn so that they sprout in the following spring.
How deep to plant gladiolus?
The correct planting depth is important for a quick start of growth, so never plant the gladiolus bulbs too deeply. In general, the top part of the bulb should always look out of the ground when planting, a planting depth of 10 to 15 cm has proven itself. When planting, it is always important that the larger part of the bulb is at the bottom, as this is where the roots form.
You should consider these points when planting gladioli:
- Planting time in harsh areas May - June
- In mild areas either autumn or from April
- Planting depth 10 - 15 cm; Tip must look out of the ground
Are gladioli hardy?
Due to their warm place of origin, the majority of gladioli species and varieties are not adapted to withstand ground frost in winter. The frost would damage the onions so badly in this country that unfortunately they would no longer grow back. You can find out more about overwintering gladioli here.
Dig up gladioli again in autumn/winter
Although it would be easier to leave the bulbs in the ground over the winter, digging them up is the only option so that they will sprout and bloom again the following year. First cut off the withered foliage a little above the base and carefully dig up the bulbs before the first frosts in autumn. The onions should be stored in a cool but frost-free and dry place. Temperatures above 15 °C should be avoided at all costs to prevent premature budding.
Caring for gladioli
Overall, the care required for gladioli is manageable and is limited to regular watering and a few other measures. We present what else you should consider when caring for gladioli.
Water and fertilize gladioli
Always water gladioli as needed. Depending on the heat, the water requirement can also be quite high. Daily watering is worthwhile in midsummer, as the soil dries out quickly. Always be careful not to completely flood the soil with water, as this attractive plant does not tolerate waterlogging well. For optimal growth, the supply of sufficient nutrients is also importantsensible. Before planting the bulbs, work a good amount of compost or a primarily organic organic fertilizer such as our Plantura organic flower fertilizer into the soil.
Pruning gladioli: removing wilted flowers and leaves
When cutting the gladiolus: Wait until the flowers and flower stalks have completely withered before applying the scissors. In principle, do not cut off the entire green of the plant before autumn, so that it can continue to store energy in the bulb. The complete stems and leaves can be cut back for overwintering before the first frosts.
Pay attention to the following aspects when caring for gladioli:
- Water as needed, do not let the soil dry out completely
- Do not water excessively
- Mix in compost as fertilizer before planting
- Prune only when flower stalks have faded and wilted
gladiolus in the vase
In addition to cutting the plants after flowering, gladioli are often cut as cut flowers. We show what you should pay attention to if the gladiolus is to be used as a decorative flower on the table.
Cutting gladioli for the vase
Gladioli should always be cut before all the flowers on the stem have opened. In this way, you can enjoy the rich flowers for a few more days. As cut flowers, gladioli are ideally cut in the morning and never all of the flower stalks are removed from a plant.
Caring for gladioli in the vase
In order for the gladioli to last as long as possible, the freshly cut flowers should always be placed in a vase with water immediately. Cut the bottom of the stems every few days and change the water from time to time to prolong the life of the flowers. In addition, it has proven useful that faded flowers are cut off so that the flowers on top also open. You can find more information on the correct care of gladioli in the vase here.
Gladioli are true sun worshipers among flowers. You can find more plants for the blazing sun in this article.