The flower spikes are accompanied by sword like leaves, hence the name ‘gladiolus’ which translates as ‘little sword’.

• Tender perennial
• Plant: from March, approx 10-15cm deep, with width much the same (can be closer in a pot).
• Flowers: July- September (will flower approx 3 months after planting)

• Well drained soil
• South or West aspect
• Full sun
• Sheltered
• Plant at a depth of 3x the size of the corm

• Gladioli do not like wet soil- so add grit or sand to improve drainage if required
• Feed with potassium rich feed (such as tomato feed) to promote flowering when spikes start to appear
• Will require protection from the wind and flowers need staking (take care not to damage corm with cane)
• Stagger planting if required for cut flowers to ensure supply
• Corms are generally lifted in winter as they do not fare well if left in the ground during the wet and cold.
• Cut the stems back when all florets have opened- but leave foliage in place to feed corm
• Wear gloves when handling
• Toxic to pets