How to grow Gladioli

Gladioli corms can be planted at intervals through spring and summer, for a steady supply of flowers for cutting or just enjoying in the garden. They flower around 10 to 14 weeks after planting, depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. Even now in May and into June, I’ll be planting Gladioli for colour through through into October.

If you’re wondering how to grow gladioli for late summer colour and cut flowers, here are some tips to help you get started. First, choose a sunny location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This is an important step in learning how to grow gladioli, as they require full sun to thrive.

Next, prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will help to improve drainage and fertility, which is essential for growing healthy gladioli.

When it comes to planting, dig a hole that is about 6 inches deep and plant the corms with the pointed end facing up. Space the corms about 6 inches apart. This is a crucial step in learning how to grow gladioli, as proper spacing will allow the plants to grow and bloom to their full potential.

To keep your gladioli healthy and blooming, make sure to water regularly, fertilise once a month, and stake the plants if necessary. And don’t forget to deadhead the spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.

Finally, when the growing season is over, dig up the corms and store them in a cool, dry place until next year. This is the last step in learning how to grow gladioli successfully and will help to ensure that your plants return next season with even more stunning blooms.

By following these simple steps, you can learn how to grow gladioli and enjoy their tall, showy blooms in a wide range of colours for late summer colour and cut flowers. They go great with other easy summer cut flowers such as Cosmos, which are really easy from seed. They’re a bit late to sow now, but give them a go next spring, for flowers all summer long.

Owen Hayman

Owen joined the Bestall & Co planting and aftercare team in spring 2019. He is an RHS qualified horticulturist, holding a full Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture, and recently came in the top 3 at the Northern Regional Final of The Young Horticulturist of the Year 2019. After first doing a foundation diploma in Fine Art, he went on to gain a degree and masters in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Sheffield in 2014. Owen worked as a researcher on various field research projects in Alaska, Panama and Borneo. When not away in the field, he became obsessed with visiting gardens and nurseries across the British Isles and the Netherlands, developing his own garden, and then taking on a walled allotment garden as a personal project. He realised his true passion was in horticulture, and so moved away from academia and into the world of specialist plant nurseries and professional gardening.

Owen is now studying the Wisley Diploma, but continues to write articles for us on a monthly basis, and we're delighted to maintain contact with such a passionate and knowledgable plantsman.

All author posts