Gladioli are often known as sword lilies due to their long, pointed leaves. The distinctive tall flower spikes emerge in summer and come in a whole host of colours. They have a bad reputation for being out of style, but they are slowly coming back in style because they are popular props for musicians and performers. This is easy to understand since they look great with grasses and other flowering plants in a sunny herbaceous border and add color. They also look good in containers and make excellent cut flowers.
Gladiolus, with their stunning sword-shaped foliage and spectacular summer blooms, are a beloved flower for many gardeners However, you may find yourself needing to transplant these eye-catching plants to a new area of your garden This leaves many wondering – can you move gladiolus in the spring?
The short answer is yes, spring is an optimal time for transplanting gladiolus bulbs. By carefully relocating the bulbs during the springtime, you can ensure healthy growth and flowering in their new location.
In this complete guide, we will cover:
- The benefits of transplanting gladiolus in spring
- Step-by-step instructions for spring transplanting
- Aftercare and maintenance of transplanted gladiolus
- Troubleshooting common issues
Why Spring is Best for Transplanting Gladiolus
Spring, specifically early to mid-spring, provides the ideal conditions for successfully transplanting gladiolus bulbs. Here are some of the key advantages:
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Soil temperature – The soil in spring is warmer and has thawed from winter freezes This warmer temperature encourages good root development,
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Adequate moisture – Spring rains provide ample moisture required for newly transplanted bulbs to establish.
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Reduced transplant shock – Cooler spring weather minimizes stress on gladiolus during transplantation.
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Time to establish – Transplanting in spring gives bulbs plenty of time to anchor before summer growth and blooms.
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Earlier blooms – Bulbs transplanted in spring will have a head start on root growth, resulting in earlier and longer flowering.
For these reasons, garden experts overwhelmingly recommend spring as the best season for moving gladiolus bulbs to a new garden bed or container.
Step-By-Step Guide to Transplanting Gladiolus in Spring
Transplanting gladiolus requires careful handling of the bulbs along with proper planting techniques. Follow this step-by-step guide for springtime success:
Choose a Sunny Spot
Select an area that receives full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Gladiolus thrive in sunny conditions. Ensure the site has well-draining soil.
Wait Until Soil Warms Up
Wait to transplant until daytime soil temperatures are around 60°F. This usually occurs in early to mid spring. Warm soil prevents shock and encourages rooting.
Water Bulbs Before Digging
Water the gladiolus bulbs a day or two before digging them up. Moist soil is easier to work with and minimizes damage to bulbs during removal.
Dig Up Bulbs Carefully
Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil and lift bulbs. Handle carefully to avoid nicking or bruising the bulbs.
Remove Excess Dirt
Carefully shake or brush off any clumps of dirt clinging to the bulbs. Avoid washing as excess moisture encourages diseases.
Inspect and Sort Bulbs
Check bulbs for signs of rot or damage. Discard any that are soft or moldy. Sort bulbs by size if planting in groups.
Prepare New Planting Area
Loosen soil and mix in compost or organic material to enrich it. Space holes or trenches 12-18 inches apart.
Plant Bulbs at Proper Depth
Place bulbs roots down, 5-6 inches deep. Refill holes, firming soil gently around bulbs. Water immediately after planting.
Provide Support for Emerging Plants
Install stakes or cages once new growth appears to support the tall, top-heavy gladiolus stems.
Caring for Transplanted Gladiolus in Spring
Giving proper care while your transplanted gladiolus become established will ensure their health. Here are some springtime care tips:
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Water 1-2 inches per week until plants are actively growing. Soak the entire root zone.
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Apply balanced fertilizer when bulbs start sprouting to promote growth. Use again when flowering begins.
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Weed diligently to prevent competition for nutrients and water. Place mulch around plants to suppress weeds.
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Monitor for pests & diseases which can attack stressed or damaged plants. Treat issues promptly if found.
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Stake stems once they reach 6 inches tall to prevent damage from wind/rain. Tie loosely to allow movement.
With attentive spring care, your relocated gladiolus will flourish beautifully!
Troubleshooting Transplanting Issues
Occasionally, problems can arise when transplanting gladiolus in spring. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
Issue: Bulbs fail to sprout or have delayed emergence.
Solution: Ensure bulbs were planted at proper depth. Check soil temperature. Water more frequently if soil is too dry.
Issue: Leaves appear yellowed, wilted or stunted.
Solution: Transplant shock is likely the cause. Ensure adequate but not excessive watering. Move to partial shade until established.
Issue: Stems collapse or corms rot in ground.
Solution: Soil drainage is poor. Gently dig up bulbs and replant in raised bed or area with better drainage.
Issue: Flowers are sparse or plants underperform.
Solution: Improve sunlight exposure. Test soil and amend nutrients if needed. Give extra care next season.
With the right troubleshooting, you can get your transplanted gladiolus back to health!
Transplanting gladiolus bulbs in the spring can ensure they establish and perform well in their new garden location. Follow the tips in this guide for a successful springtime transplant:
- Wait until soil warms to 60°F before moving bulbs
- Carefully dig, transport, and replant the bulbs
- Plant bulbs at proper 5-6 inch depth in sunny spot
- Provide attentive care while plants establish
- Address any transplant issues promptly
With this knowledge, you can confidently move your gladiolus bulbs in the spring and enjoy their gorgeous blooms for years to come. The spring transplanting season is short, so don’t delay in getting those gladiolus relocated and ready to thrive!
When to plant gladioli bulbs
Plant gladioli bulbs in spring, there’s no need to soak them beforehand. In March, you can plant in pots as long as you keep them somewhere warm, like a greenhouse. In May, you can plant them directly in the ground. Plant gladioli bulbs no later than July. If you wait any later, they won’t flower before the frosts come. If you want to use them for successional color, plant a few every week or so after March to make the show last longer. Those planted in pots can simply be plunged into borders as they come into flower.
Plant 15 deep in moist but well-drained soil. On heavier soils, add a generous handful of horticultural grit to the planting hole, to aid drainage.
When you’re ready to plant the gladioli bulbs in the garden, Monty Don shows you how to do it in this video: Green Video Post Element Video ID: “fb280891f2b8ef77121c3f228d6e9005abbbd66f” Mix ID: “” Player ID: “qAUyOzk5” If the player doesn’t show up in a few seconds, the Player ID or License Key (set in IM Green Video settings) might not be valid.
How to care for gladioli
Water well during the growing season and stake plants before the flower spike emerges. While in flower, give your gladioli tomato feed or comfrey feed every couple of weeks. For tender types and in colder areas of the country, lift the corms every fall and keep them out of the frost all winter. For hardier varieties, cover with a thick mulch in autumn to protect from cold snaps. Divide congested clumps every few years.
Watch our Quick Tips video with Lucy Hall to learn how to give gladioli the best conditions for growth: Green Video Post Element Video ID: “efdba023492f440981596b871ff249b46fb830cf” Mix ID: “” Player ID: “qAUyOzk5” If the player doesn’t show up here in a few seconds, the Player ID or License Key (set in IM Green Video settings) may not work.
Gladiolus Lovers: Divide and Transplant Glads in Late Spring (even though you shouldn’t)
FAQ
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