The gladiolus' magnificent flower stalks resemble swords, giving the plant its Latin name gladiolus (swordflower). Gladiolus are true sun worshipers and thrive best in full sun perennial borders. If you take good care of the onion plant, which has been very popular again in recent years, it is extremely robust and not very susceptible to diseases and pests.

Gladiolus are very thirsty plants

How much water does the gladiolus need?

Gladioli are quite thirsty and need to be watered regularly, especially on hot summer days. The following applies:

  • Water whenever the top inches of soil feel dry. This can be necessary twice a day on hot days.
  • Avoid waterlogging as this causes the onions to rot quickly.
  • Loosen up heavy soil with a little sand when planting.
  • Mulch the soil so that the moisture does not evaporate as quickly.

When is fertilized?

If you have already enriched the garden soil with some compost or manure when planting the gladiolus, it is sufficient to fertilize the plants for the first time four weeks later. A second application of fertilizer takes place after eight weeks. Use commercial long-term bloom fertilizer. This contains all the nutrients that the gladiolus needs for healthy growth and abundance of flowers.

How is it cut?

As soon as the flower stalk has completely faded, the faded parts are shortened up to the base of the leaf. Only cut back the green of the gladiolus completely when the leaves have turned yellow and unsightly. This allows the onion to continue growing and stores important nutrients for the next year during this time.

If you cut gladioli for the vase, you should always leave three or more petals on the bulb. If the stem is cut just above the ground, for example because you need the full length for a vase, the bulbous plant may die.

How are gladioli overwintered?

Gladioli are not hardy and must be overwintered indoors. The tubers are dug up in autumn and stored well dried in a cool but frost-free room.

What pests and diseases can affect the plant

Newly bred varieties of gladioli are often attacked by thrips. These harmful insects, also known as blister feet or thrips, are between one and three millimeters in size and feed on the plant juices. As a result, they damage the gladiolus so badly that it can wither away.

You can recognize the infestation by the silvery stripes along the leaves and flowers. Since the pests migrate to the tubers via the outer bracts for hibernation, the Federal Association of German Gardeners advises cutting off the infested gladioli close to the ground. Usually the onion drives out healthy again afterwards.

If your gladioli are repeatedly attacked by the animals, you can soak the bulbs in an insecticide solution that is effective against the pests before planting.

tips

In the case of large-flowered gladioli, it is advisable to support them so that the flower stalks do not snap off. Well suited are special bamboo or plant poles, which are hardly noticeable due to their natural color.

Category:

Vegetable garden