Learning how to plant gladioli is an easy way to transform backyard borders into a dazzling summer display. Trumpet Lilies, which are also called Sword Lilies, have tall spires of trumpet-shaped flowers that come in almost every color, from pure white and lime green to red.
There are also plenty of appealing ruffled, double and bi-colored blooms, perfect for pepping up garden color.
With their straight stems and leaves, these tall flowering bulbs don’t take up much space in a border, which is a real plus. Planting bulbs with herbaceous perennials will give your garden beds a boost and give them color from summer to fall. You can even grow them in plastic nursery pots and then move them to their final spot before they flower.
Fall is the perfect time to select your gladioli, before planting in spring. Experiment with new combinations or go for pre-selected bulb mixes for stunning results.
Glads grown today are much more colorful and showy than glads that grow in the wild, says Diane Blazek, a spokesperson for the National Garden Bureau.
Whatever your floral preference, this simple planting guide will tell you all you need to know.
With their tall, dramatic flower spikes in vibrant colors, gladiolus are classic summer garden showstoppers To get these bulbs off to a strong start, some gardeners recommend soaking the corms before planting But is this really necessary or beneficial? Let’s take a look at the reasons for and against pre-soaking gladiolus prior to planting.
What is Pre-Soaking?
Pre-soaking, also called pre-chilling, means placing dry dormant gladiolus corms (bulbs) in water to rehydrate for a period of time before planting them in the garden. This process allows the dry, shriveled corms to absorb water and plump up. Soaked corms will be turgid (swollen) and firm when its time to plant them.
Soaking is thought to give the bulbs a head start allowing sprouts and roots to emerge faster once planted. It may also help prevent slower weaker sprouting that can happen if bulbs must work harder to absorb soil moisture after planting.
Reasons to Pre-Soak Gladiolus Corms
Here are some of the touted benefits of pre-soaking gladioli before getting them in the ground:
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Faster emergence – Corms can sprout 1-2 weeks sooner when pre-soaked versus dry planted You’ll get quicker blooms
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More uniform sprouting – Even water absorption helps all corms develop at the same rate for a consistent bloom time.
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Stronger sprouts – Well-hydrated corms send up more vigorous sprouts that establish better after planting.
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Prevents planting damage – Dry, shriveled corms are brittle and prone to damage when being planted. Soaking makes them plump and flexible.
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Lessens transplant shock – Corms don’t have to work as hard to absorb soil moisture, reducing stress after planting.
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Bypasses bad soils – Prevents issues if garden soil lacks adequate moisture and nutrition to support new growth.
For many gardeners, faster and more reliable sprouting are the main advantages of gladiolus pre-soaking. But there are also some reasons you may want to skip the soaking step.
Reasons to Skip Pre-Soaking Gladiolus Corms
Here are a few things to consider regarding skipping the pre-soak:
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Added time and effort – Soaking requires an extra step in the planting process and takes 1-2 days.
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Possible mold growth – Cold, damp conditions can cause mold to develop on corms during extended soaking.
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Premature sprouting – Corms may actually sprout leaves before being planted if soaked too long.
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No guarantees – There are no definite guarantees that soaking will produce better results.
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Well-hydrated corms – Some commercially prepared corms are already hydrated enough from treatment and storage methods.
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Adequate soil – In soils with sufficient moisture and nutrients, pre-soaking provides less benefit.
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Cooler climates – Slow emergence from direct dry planting poses less of an issue in locations with cooler spring soils.
If your corms are plump, planting conditions are ideal, and you don’t mind waiting a week or so for sprouts, skipping pre-soaking is a valid option.
How to Soak Gladiolus Corms the Right Way
If you do wish to pre-soak your gladiolus prior to planting, follow these tips:
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Start with plump corms – Shriveled, super dry corms will absorb water faster and benefit most from soaking. Avoid mushy corms.
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Use room temperature water – Warm water encourages rotting. Use cool water around 60°F-70°F.
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Soak 6-24 hours – The longer the soak, the more thoroughly corms imbibe water, but avoid exceeding 24 hours.
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Use clean container – Soak corms in a disinfected bucket, bowl, or tub to prevent disease transmission.
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Keep corms in single layer – Resist stacking corms to prevent mold growth between them.
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Don’t let corms sprout – Drain any water and plant promptly if growth appears to avoid weak sprouts.
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Plant soaked corms immediately – Don’t leave them lying around wet after soaking. Get them in the ground ASAP.
Follow these guidelines precisely to gain the most benefit from soaking your gladiolus corms before planting them in the garden.
Should You Soak Other Flower Bulbs?
Pre-soaking can help hydrate any dried-out bulb, corm, rhizome, or tuber type prior to planting. Some options include:
- Dahlias
- Begonias
- Caladiums
- Cannas
- Ginger
- Lilies
- Elephant ears
But many bulbs actually prefer being planted dry, like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. These bulbs can rot if soaked too long. Do your research before pre-soaking bulbs, as soaking benefits depends on the variety.
To Soak or Not To Soak?
In the end, deciding whether or not to soak gladiolus corms is a personal choice based on your specific conditions. Soaking may provide an advantage in warmer climates with drier soils where moisture is limited early in the season. Extra time and hassle may not be warranted in cooler zones with adequate spring moisture.
If you do soak, take care to do it properly and plant immediately after for best results. Either way, with good corms, suitable soils, ample moisture and sunlight, you can expect a spectacular display of gorgeous gladiolus blooms by midsummer!
How to plant gladioli for successional blooms
One gladioli flower spike can give you color for two to three weeks straight, flowering from bottom to top. They look great in vases and backyards, and you can make the show last even longer by planting them one after the other.
When should you plant gladioli? Start putting the bulbs outside right before the last frost date, which can be anywhere from late March to early May depending on where you live. Continue planting batches at fortnightly intervals until early July. This will guarantee an uninterrupted show across the summer right through fall.
How to plant gladioli (Image credit: Jacky Parker Photography)
Gladioli are amongst the best summer bulbs.
‘I love gladioli because they are really just the most impactful flowers to grow,’ says Tabar Gifford from American Meadows. ‘They are stunning, and the impression they make is deceiving for how easy they are to grow. The key for planting is they do need to be planted the full depth, or theyll flop over! They also benefit from regular watering if youre not getting rain, which is pretty typical in the peak of summer.’
Should I soak gladiolus bulbs before planting?
When should you plant Gladiolus bulbs?
It is best to plant these flowers in the spring. Depending on your climate conditions, you’ll be able to enjoy most varieties’ blooms between 60 to 100 days after planting. Dig them in October to remove the dead bulbs. But should you soak gladiolus bulbs before planting?
Should I soak Gladiolus bulbs before planting?
The answer to this question is straightforward. You can soak gladiolus bulbs before planting to get rapid germination from these plants. Do so in plain tap water to not saturate your bulbs with nutrients. This step is crucial if you live in a warm region or have pests and diseases in your garden.
How do you care for Gladiolus bulbs?
Place the gladiolus bulbs in the bucket and let them soak for several hours. After the soaking, discard the water and let the bulbs dry before planting them.
Should you soak Gladiolus tubers beore?
With a litle care and attention, your gladiolus plants will provide you with a stunning display of colorful blooms all summer long. It is recommended to soak gladiolus tubers beore planting, especially if you live in a warmer climate or have had disease problems in the past.