Page 28 - Simply Vegetables Spring 2023

Gladioli
RON NUTTALL
In the previous article about growing this queen of flowers I looked at the autumn harvesting and storage of Gladioli corms.
In this article I will examine the management required to produce a succession of blooms:
1. Choose the varieties to suit your preference of colour, size and type of flower
2. Prepareamanagementguideto summer cultivation and watering
3. Lookatthesecretsofgrowingtogive a succession of blooms, for cutting and exhibition.
Originally known as the Sword Lilly, Gladioli were grown in the dry climate of the Mediterranean and South Africa, where the corms helped the plants to survive the hot dry conditions.
Catalogues from the British Gladiolus Society are full of facts about the popular varieties and give a coloured illustration and detail about each variety on offer. Certain flower heads are more popular for the shows, if you would care to choose one of the foremost varieties an early order is necessary and a premium for the privilege is likely.
The wide range of colours, sizes and flower types make them suitable for arrangements as well as being spectacular exhibits for the late summer horticultural shows.
They are catalogued:
• First, by size of flower. Ranging from
miniature florets 62mm (under 2.5”) To
Giant florets 135mm (5.5” or larger).
• Second, by a strict colour
classification and intensity range,
Gladiolus ‘Espresso’
starting with white and progressing through a countless range of yellows and reds and ultimately brown.
• Finally, by blooming season. Listed
are 7 seasons, ranging from Very Early with a maturity range of under 70 days to flowering and Very Late, that is to be ready for exhibition in 100 days or more.’
A cultural guide to planting
the new corms
Delivery can be expected from mid-March onwards. They are used as clumps in a mixed flower border or planted in rows for cut blooms. Market gardeners produce early blooms by starting them in a warm house in April.
If they can be protected, as they are not frost hardy, planting in the allotment can be started after the middle of April. They prefer a well-drained soil, full of organic matter to hold the moisture and fertility. Spread and raking into the topsoil a dressing ‘Blood Fish and Bone or a General Fertilizer, at 110gms (4oz. per sq. yard).
• Strip the outer skin off the corm and
then with a clean sharp knife remove the eyes except the largest one,
Gladiolus drying for winter storage
Bed prepard for planting Gladiolus corms
28 Simply Vegetables