Planting, growing and caring for gladioli in open ground

Gladiolus (skewer) belongs to the group of flowers in demand among Russian gardeners for their unpretentiousness and colorful flowering. At the same time, the plant was considered a weed for a long time. Regardless of the type of gladioli chosen, planting and caring for the flower does not cause any particular difficulties even for inexperienced gardeners. However, this does not mean that the plant will grow anywhere without appropriate feeding.

Description and characteristics of the plant

Gladiolus is the common name for flowers in the Iris family, which includes over 250 plant species. In Russia, mainly hybrid varieties are grown, obtained by crossing European and African ones. Due to the wide variety of flowers, it makes sense to consider the characteristics of individual types of gladioli that are in demand among gardeners:

1. Moscow Belokamennaya. Gladiolus grows up to 150 centimeters in length. White flowers on a straight stem reach 14 centimeters in diameter. No more than 8 buds bloom simultaneously on one trunk. Flowering of this variety begins in July.
2. Beautiful. An early variety of gladioli. The first yellow flowers bloom in early June. Krasava's stem is long. Up to 24 buds are formed on one trunk.
3. Priscilla. Gladioli of this variety bloom with white-pink flowers with a crimson edge. The length of the trunk does not exceed 100 centimeters.
4. Amber Baltic. A 160-centimeter gladiolus with large flowers (up to 15 centimeters in diameter) of light red color. Up to 23 buds bloom on one trunk.
5. Grand Duchess Elizabeth. A non-standard variety of gladioli, characterized by a small stem (up to 70 centimeters) and abundant flowering (up to 22 buds). The flowers are distinguished by a combination of orange and pink shades.

Despite the different flowering times, gladioli are planted in early spring. Each variety has the same requirements for growing location and care. In addition to the above, breeders also bred varieties of gladioli, characterized by compact flowers.But due to the fact that the plant grows straight up and is characterized by a small crown, each variety can be grown in a flowerbed of any size.

How to choose gladioli bulbs before planting?

It is not recommended to take bulbs with spots for planting. The latter indicate that the plant is infected. It is also not recommended to take large bulbs, since the flower spent a lot of energy on the formation of such a root crop. Because of this, the likelihood that the gladiolus will take root in a new place is reduced.

Bulbs with a diameter of 2-4 centimeters, with one sprout 3-7 millimeters long and skin of a reddish or dark golden hue are considered optimal for planting.

Features of growing flowers

To successfully grow gladioli in open ground, you must follow the following rules:

1. Flowers must be replanted to a new location every 2 years.
2. It is recommended to replant into soil with a different composition (from chernozem to loam, and so on).
3. Plant varieties adapted to a specific climate on the site.
4. Do not plant large and small bulbs next to each other, as the latter will not grow.
5. Follow the recommendations for planting depth, otherwise the stem will not break through the soil.

Gladioli are distinguished by the fact that they do not tolerate prolonged drought, abundant and frequent watering, as well as the lack of sunlight and drafts. The plant does not bloom in such conditions and often gets sick.

When to plant

It is recommended to plant bulbs in the spring. At the same time, the soil should warm up (up to 10 degrees), and the threat of night frosts should pass. If this rule is followed, the plant will bloom in August.

Selecting a location

Gladioli are grown in well-ventilated and sunny places, protected from strong winds. The flowers do not tolerate proximity to cruciferous vegetables and carrots.Also, bulbs should not be planted in a place where potatoes previously grew. This provokes wireworm infection.

Soil preparation

The soil for gladioli must be prepared in the fall. It is recommended to add potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers to acidic soil. These soils are also fertilized with lime or dolomite flour. In the place where the bulbs are planted, you need to create a drainage layer that will prevent the rhizomes from rotting.

In heavy soils, you should create a cushion by pouring 10 centimeters of river sand into a pre-dug hole. The latter will ensure the outflow of excess moisture.

Pre-planting preparation of corms

2 weeks before planting, the hard shell is removed from the bulbs and laid out on a flat surface onto which diffused light falls. Before transferring the material to the soil, the tubers must be soaked for 1-2 hours in a solution of potassium permanganate or 1 hour in Fundazol. It is recommended to plant those bulbs whose stem buds are clearly visible on the surface. Two kidneys are allowed. But when growing such a flower, it is necessary to water and feed it more often.

Planting pattern and depth

Gardeners adhere to the following rules for deepening root bulbs:

• if compact bulbs are planted, then the plant is buried 3-5 centimeters;
• medium bulbs - 8-10 centimeters;
• large ones - 12-15 centimeters.

The bulbs are planted in previously prepared furrows, at the bottom of which a layer of sand or sphagnum is first laid out. After this, the soil is moistened. Gladioli are planted at a distance of 15-20 centimeters. The next furrow in the garden bed is dug at a distance of 20-25 centimeters.

At the end, the bulbs are covered with earth.After several days, when sprouts appear, soil must be added near the root of the plant, thereby strengthening the stem.

If gladioli are grown in sandy or light soil, then the bulbs are deepened 1-2 centimeters more than recommended. Otherwise, the adult plant will bend to the ground.

Rules for caring for gladioli

Caring for gladioli should begin after the first shoots appear. Already in the initial period of growth, the flower will require fertilizers and periodic watering.

Mulching

To reduce the frequency of watering, it is recommended to mulch the plant after the length of the stems reaches 10 centimeters. To do this, add a 5-centimeter layer of humus under the flower.

Watering

In the warm season, gladioli are watered once a week. During dry periods, this procedure is recommended to be carried out every other day. During hot periods, the plant requires daily watering. This must be done in the evening, before weeding the beds. Water for irrigation needs to be heated.

Fertilizer

Gladioli are fertilized according to the following scheme:

1. When the length of the stem reaches 10 centimeters, organic fertilizers (compost or humus) are applied to the plant.
2. After the formation of 3-4 full leaves, add a mixture of 2 tablespoons of ammonium sulfate or urea and 10 liters of water. This volume is enough to fertilize one square meter. After application, the fertilizer should be deepened to one centimeter.
3. During the formation of 5-6 leaves and during budding, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied.

In the warm season, it is also recommended to feed the flower once every two weeks with an infusion of bird droppings diluted in water in a ratio of 1:10.

Garter

Large gladioli need to be tied up.Various designs are used for this. In particular, gardeners install sticks at each flower. You can also drive stakes around the perimeter of the bed and stretch wires between the rows, tying a flower to each.

Disease and pest control

The following are used in the treatment and prevention of gladioli diseases:

• solution of soda ash or baking soda (against fungus);
• solutions of Fufanon, Karbofos or Decis (against earwigs);
• garlic (against rot and fusarium), which is planted in a bed with gladioli (the affected roots must be destroyed);
• superphosphate, ash or tobacco ash (from slugs);
• Karate or Fastak (from thrips and aphids).

The solution should be used to treat the flower immediately after signs of infection appear. Ash and tobacco ashes must be scattered between the rows.

When to dig up plants?

It is recommended to dig up bulbs for storage in winter 35-40 days after the end of flowering. This procedure must be carried out on a dry day. The early varieties are dug up first, and then the late ones. The stems need to be cut off, leaving only the bulbs.

Storing gladiolus bulbs

After digging, the bulbs need to be washed under running water and disinfected in a Fundazol solution. Next, the gladioli must be laid out to dry for 2-3 days.

After preparing for winter, the bulbs are placed at the bottom of a box covered with paper and placed in the room. The plant should be stored at a temperature of 5-10 degrees and an average humidity of 60-70%. To prevent infection, add heads of garlic to the bulbs, changing them every month.

Features of cultivation in other regions of Russia

Growing gladioli in Siberia and the Urals is associated with certain difficulties, since in these regions summer is shorter and arrives later.In this regard, it is recommended to first plant the bulbs in pots at home, and after the first shoots appear, transfer them to open ground. If necessary, flowers can be grown in closed greenhouses.

Where to buy gladiolus bulbs?

Gladiolus bulbs can be purchased at almost any flower shop. Before purchasing, each plant must be examined, discarding the affected ones.