Gladioli?

Hi all,

We've just been bought 100 x red gladioli bulbs (75p for 25 bulbs, in the discount bucket!).

I don't know much about these, and there's not much info on the packet.

Is it too late to plant them now?

How do I go about planting them, how deep etc, do I need to do anything special to them?

Was thinking about putting them out the front and maybe some in patio pots - when will they grow/flower, how long will they last?

Lots of questions there! lol.

If anyone could enlighten me, that'd be great!

 

I've planted some Gladioli bulbs for the first time this year, so I'm sure there are lots of more knowledgable members who can give you better advice than me I haven't given mine any special treatment, and they're about 6/7ins now, looking good. I have put mine right at the back of the border because they grow so tall, they will probably require some support, maybe too big for pots & containers? And a general rule for depth is 3 times the size of the bulb. But I would have thought it was too late to plant Summer flowering bulbs in now.

 

It is a bit late, but if you plant them, then, if you protect them they'll be ok for next year. I'm in Scotland, and I've got loads that did ok over winter and area coming up well for this year. That's in the soil and in containers.....

 

Hi Dendy, there is a guy on our allotment who always call me 'gladioli' and I cant think why. I keep telling him my name, well it puts a smile on my face. Reading your gladioli posts brought it all home to me.

Fancy

 

Thanks for your replies.

Why/how do they need protecting over the winter - surely that doesn't mean digging the bulbs up?

 

Hi, I just bought 5 bargain packs from the pound shop (5 packs for �£3) and it said to plant May latest (but I've planted minw now) and to put in 10cm deep.
With regards to digging up the bulbs, I think it is advised but my mum says they never bother and theirs come back, so personally I am not going to bother.
I al;so dont think mine will show till next year now (fingers crossed they show at all - i'm not convinced when i plant something it will actually grow yet)

 

Hi there people

My gladioli are now 2 foot and supported by canes. Had no idea they would get that high, have completely obliterated my wintersweet climber

They will look lovely when they flower im sure and have survived all my "efforts" to help them grow which was basically planting them and leaving them to it probably for the best really lol. Hope they flower but when will it be mmmmmmmmmmmnnnnnnn

 

Update!

4 are now in flower (the red ones) they are outgrowing the canes but do look quite pretty, planted 25 in a rather small half circle bricked bit of garden, a few too many perhaps but hey what the heck a gal has to try :D

 

I've just googled these and they do look nice. I think i'll get some next year. Putting them at the back of borders sounds good too if they grow high.

Do they really like sun or shade?

 

Hi NG,

The ordinary ones grow around 3ft when in flower and mine are doing well in partial sun/shade. I also have some in full sun.

To be honest I just planted them and watered, they need canes tho really 'cos they get so tall. They do look very nice i must say but i feel perhaps i planted them too close together

I'm pretty new to all this stuff, so they were ideal for me :D :D