Cottage Gladioli growing guide

Cottage Gladioli

Botanical Name: Gladiolus nanus
Family: Iridaceae
Plant Type: Corm
Size (HxW): 30-60cm x 10-15cm
Depth & Spacing: Plant 10cm deep and 10-15cm apart.
Soil: Humus rich, moist, well drained soil is ideal but they are adaptable and will cope in poorer soils, but good drainage is imperative.
Aspect: Full sun to semi shade
Climate: Cool to Mediterranean
Frost: Half hardy - late frosts may damage new growth.
Water: Water to establish, then only if rainfall is low during active growth. Keep relatively dry during dormancy.
Fertiliser: Apply a well balanced fertiliser prior to planting and again each spring as they emerge.
Flowering Time: Late spring to summer.
After Flower Care: Leave in the ground after flowering if you wish to naturalise these bulbs. Lift and divide every few years as they become overcrowded. Wait until the foliage has died off (takes around 4-6 weeks) before lifting and relocating. After digging, spread bulbs to dry in a cool area. When dry remove any old corms, roots and dirt. Replant immediately. If you cannot replant, you can dust with a fungicide and store them in a cool, airy position, ready for replanting in autumn. Cormlets/cormels will flower in their second or third season.
Notes: Great as cut flowers! They are smaller, more compact cultivars than the standard Gladioli so don’t require staking. If they do happen to fall over, this is usually because they were not planted deeply enough or are in too much shade. Watch for thrips, especially around flowering time, remove as necessary. In pots ensure you keep the water up to them, even while they are below the surface they are still growing roots. You could plant a ‘cover crop’ of winter annuals to help you remember to water.

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