General characteristics:

• Common name: Gladiolus or spurge
• Scientific name: Gladiolus spp.
• Family: Iridaceae
• Origin: European Mediterranean area, Asia, tropical Africa and South Africa.
• Location: Interior and exterior
• Flowering: From early summer until almost late autumn, in temperate climates they can bloom all year round.
• Light: In full sun.
• Irrigation: Abundant at the beginning and scarce at the end.
• Credit memo: every three weeks from 15 cm. in height.

Description

Gladioli have flowers that are highly appreciated in gardening because of their diversity of colors This bulbous plant, which can reach up to two meters in height, is ideal for bouquets and floral arrangements.

In addition, in temperate climates, they can bloom all year round, while in the rest of the world we can see flowers from summer to autumn.

Light and irrigation

It is located in full sun, with optimum temperatures between 10 and 25ºC. It flowers better the more light it has, hence the explosion of color in summer.

Irrigation must be abundant at first, but then it should be scarce until the first shoots appear. The amount of water should be increased again to keep the substrate moist, but not waterlogged.

As soon as the sprouts reach 15 cm in height we will pay every three weeks .

Planting and multiplication

Gladioli develop from a corm, similar to a corm, which is a bulb, which is planted in early spring. It can also be planted in early summer, to extend flowering.

It should be planted in a well-drained soil, rich in humus and previously applying a fungicide so that it is not attacked by fungi.

Gladioli are planted about 8 centimeters deep and, if planted in pots, it is important to choose a compost rich in organic matter.

If we plant them in the garden, between rows, we will leave a separation of 30 centimeters between them. When they grow it is advisable to trellis them.

Pests

Gladioli can be attacked by various pests and diseases, among others:

• Trips
• Aphids
• Botrytis
• Rust
• Virosis