GLADIOLUS--PLANTING

Gladiolus need to be planted after danger of frost. The soil should be warmed to a depth of six (6) inches; oaks will be fully leafed out. Corms planted in cool soil are apt to rot. Make sure the corms or clean and healthy. Do not remove the tunic or outer papery layer.

Gladiolus prefer full sun, but will respond in locations with some morning or late afternoon shade. Good air circulation is a must.

Incorporate no more than two to three (2 to 3) pounds of a 5-10-10 or 5- 10-5 fertilizer per 100 square feet. Underfertilizing is much better than overfertilizing.

Work the soil to a depth of eight (8) inches. As a rule of thumb, plant gladiolus corms three times their diameter; for example, a two (2) inch diameter corm should be planted six (6) inches deep and six (6) inches apart. Corms planted in shallow soil are more likely to fall over when blooming. Often, corms are covered with an inch or two of soil until they sprout. Sprouts, like asparagus plantings, are covered until the final soil line is achieved. Hilling corms is also a common practice, especially if early summer blooms are desired. A "hill" warms up faster than flat soil.

Gladiolus generally will bloom twelve (12) weeks after planting.

See: Gladiolus staking; Gladiolus winter storage

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