Gladiolus Growing Stages – Let’s explore the life cycle of these beautiful flowers, starting from the corm to the emergence of flowers.
Knowing about gladiolus growing stages will give you a better understanding of how the plant develops, which will help you take care of it in a better way.
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How Long Does Gladiolus Take To Grow?
After planting the corms in well draining soil and adequate sunlight, it will take anywhere between 8-15 days for the shoots to appear.
For flowering, you will have to wait between 75-100 days, after planting the corms. However, factors like variety, weather conditions, and the planting time also play a vital role in the timing.
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Stages of Gladiolus Growth
Plant them in early spring for blooms in about 60-90 days.
1. Begin with Rooting
Before planting, Gladiolus starts as dormant corms. Pick firm ones that are free of blemishes.
2. Planting the Corms
Plant the corms in spring after the threat of frost has passed. Choose well-draining soil and plant them at a depth of 2-3 inches, with the pointed end facing up.
3. Germination
Generally, gladiolus needs two to three weeks to germinate well, with at least 55°F (13°C) temperature. However, it’s recommended to wait until night temperatures reach 60°F before setting out your gladiolus bulbs.
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4. Vegetative Growth
This phase of gladiolus is crucial for leaf growth, which is important for storing energy for flowers. As the leaves grow, ensure your gladiolus gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth. Also, remember to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
5. Blooming
Gladiolus plant blooms in early summer, and you will see flower stalks emerging from the base of the plant around early this season. You can stake the flower stalks to prevent the wind from damaging them.
The flowers will start to bloom from the bottom of the stalk and move their way up. Usually, this stage lasts about two weeks.
6. Deadheading
Remove the faded flowers to encourage more blooms. Cut the bloomed ones off with a sharp knife so that the plant focuses its energy on producing more buds instead of setting seeds, which can weaken them.
8. Storing Corms for the Next Year
Wait until the foliage turns yellow or brown – this is an indication that the plant has prepared itself for the dormancy stage. Use a fork to dig around the plant, and lift it off gently to reveal the corms.
Brush off any loose soil from the corms and lay them out in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for about a week. This process is crucial for preventing rot.
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Winter Storage and Mulching
After the blooming season, prepare cormlets for next spring. Store them in a refrigerator once dried. If corms remain in the ground over winter, mulching must be done so that it can protect them from frost.
