🌺 Gladiolus: Growing Guide
Gladiolus (Gladiolus) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at −5 to 32 °C (23–90 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–6.5. Space plants about 15 cm (5.9 in) apart. Expect 90–120 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Gladiolus |
|---|---|
| Category | Bulbs |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–6.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −5 to 32 °C (23–90 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 90–120 days |
| Sowing depth | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Height | 60–150 cm (24–59 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||
| Tropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar, Aug · Harvest: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jan, Jul · Harvest: Feb–Apr, Aug–Oct.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Jun · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Mar, Aug · Harvest: Apr–May, Sep–Oct.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 8 days in winter. Regular watering during flowering.
Growing tips
Grown from corms. Cut after flowering. Oscar and Prins Claus. A classic for bouquets.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Gladiolus: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Aug. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jul.
Gladiolus: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 8 days in winter. Regular watering during flowering.
Gladiolus: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 15 cm (5.9 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 10 cm (3.9 in).
Gladiolus: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 90–120 days.
Gladiolus: which plants grow well with it?
Rose.
Gladiolus: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Thrips, Fusarium.
Plan your garden
Add Gladiolus to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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