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How to Grow Gladiolus

Gladioli spp.

How to Grow Gladiolus

These flowers are always “glad” to see you. Gladiolus or Sword Lilly are a bright and cheerful addition to the garden. Generally flowering in early summer, their tall flower spikes with orchid like blooms in an array of bright and cheerful colours, provide a great backdrop for those summer barbeques and cricket matches.

Full sun

Regular watering, keeping the soil moist

Well drained soil

Suitable for all climatic zones

How to grow gladiolus in a garden

Step 1

Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun, has well drained soil and is protected from any strong winds.

Step 2

Enrich the soil with some compost and Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser well before planting.

Step 3

Place the bulb directly where the plant is to grow at a depth of 10cm and 20cm apart.

Step 4

Cover with soil.

Step 5

Keep the soil nice and moist ensuring not to overwater.

Step 6

When the shoots begin to emerge feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.
Gladiolus Tn Img

How to grow gladiolus in a pot

Step 1

Choose a well drained spot in the garden that receives full sun and is protected from strong winds.

Step 2

Fill the pot with Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Place the bulb directly into the pot at a depth of 10cm.

Step 4

Cover with soil.

Step 5

Keep the soil nice and moist ensuring not to overwater.

Step 6

When the shoots begin to emerge feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Growing tips

  • These bulbs perform well when planted in clumps and if planted along side dwarf flowering annuals will give you a lovely display when in bloom.
  • Gladioli don't like strong winds, so staking may be required if winds do pick up. Make sure that you stake these before the flower buds appear. 
  • After planting, it can take 90 to 100 days before flowers appear. To reduce any loss, especially in the hotter weather, try to plant out as early as possible in the late winter or spring to reduce heat stress.
  • In warmer districts, you can plant out in May to September to avoid the hotter weather in summer.
  • Corms can be lifted once the plant starts to yellow and die off. This is generally around 4-6 weeks after the last flowers have appeared. Once the corms have been lifted, allow the leaves to dry out then cut them off as close to the base of the corm as you can, without damaging the corm and store in a cool dry place.
  • Toward the end of the flowering season, feeding the plants with Yates Dynamic Lifter Liquid to ensure a healthy season for next year.

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