GLADIOLA -- COLORFUL, EASY-TO-GROW SUMMER BLOOMS

Colorful blooms of gladiola in late July brighten up any day. I plant the corms usually in April, depending on the weather conditions that year.  (Although some are left in the ground through the winter, and they will grow and bloom first). I plant several corms every two weeks, insuring blooms all through the summer months and into fall.

I add some every year to the beds and thin the ones that have stayed in the ground through the winter months. Most that I have used are a mix of colors; I rarely get corms of all one color. I like planting them because they don't take up much room vertically--they're easy to 'tuck in' in areas that don't have much room. I use them where spring blooms are through blooming and a color spot is needed in the beds.

The tall 48-60" glads may need staking. I prefer planting the 36-48" varieties--they are easier to take take of in my garden beds. Plant in full sun in soil that will be moist, but not wet. When cutting for arrangements, since they bloom from the bottom to the top, make sure color is showing on the buds not in bloom. Always use a floral preservative, and keep out of direct sunlight for longer-lasting bouquets.

GLADIOLA - Tall, stately blooms of color

The August 2nd weekly arrangement is all about gladiola! The corms are planted as soon as the soil is workable in early spring. (Although it is suggested that corms in my zone 6 garden be lifted for overwintering, I leave some in the ground the season before and they have done fine. This gives the plants a head start in spring; these glads bloom first).  I plant groups of 3-5 new corms every two weeks from March until the end of June or so. This gives me a steady supply of glads into fall. It takes about 90 days, for the corms to root, grow, produce, and store enough energy for next year's blooms. After blooming, don't cut down stalks until completely dried and yellow--that's where they get their energy for next year's bloom. Stake at the time of planting if you are growing ones that reach 48-60" tall so you don't harm the corms later on. Gladiola bloom from the bottom up, come in all colors, and are welcome color spots in the summer and fall.