Demystifying Gladiolus Seeds: What Do They Look Like and How Do They Grow?

Gladiolus are stunning summer bloomers that brighten up any garden with their spires of vibrant flowers While most gardeners propagate gladiolus from bulbs, you can also grow them from seeds But what exactly do gladiolus seeds look like? And what’s the best way to start them? Here’s an in-depth look at harvesting, storing, and planting these unique seeds.

What Do Gladiolus Seed Pods Look Like?

Gladiolus seed pods are small, oval-shaped capsules that form after the flowers fade. They measure roughly 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch long. The pods start out green and ripen to tan or brown.

Each pod contains a row of small, flat seeds inside. Fresh gladiolus seeds are plump and ivory-colored. As they dry, the seeds take on a yellowish or brownish hue.

The seed pods aren’t very noticeable and many gardeners remove spent flower spikes before pods can form. It takes a careful eye to spot them! Check drooping flower spikes about 1-2 weeks after blooms fade. Run your fingers along the stem to feel for the bumpy pods.

Why Are Gladiolus Seeds Not Common?

While gladiolus plants can produce seeds, most gardeners don’t bother collecting them. Here’s why:

• The seeds take 2-3 years to produce flowers from planting. Growing from bulbs is much faster

• Hybrid gladiolus may not come true from seed. The flowers could look entirely different than the parent.

• Many hybrids are sterile and don’t produce viable seeds.

• It’s easy to collect and grow bulblets found at the base of plants. These clone the variety.

So for impatient gardeners or those wanting to preserve a favorite variety, seeds aren’t the ideal propagation method. But collecting them can still be an interesting experiment!

When and How to Harvest Gladiolus Seeds

Here are tips for identifying and gathering ripe gladiolus seeds:

• Allow flowers to fade completely before checking for pods. Give them 1-2 weeks after blooms drop.

• Look for brown, dry pods near the tops of old flower spikes. Ripe ones will be brittle and easily cracked open.

• Hold pods over a bowl or paper towel to catch seeds as you break them open.

• Pick out any pod debris like bits of stem that fall into the collection bowl.

• Spread seeds in a single layer on a paper plate or towel. Let them finish drying for about a week in a warm, dry spot.

• Place thoroughly dried seeds in an envelope or jar. Label with the variety and year collected.

Proper Storage for Gladiolus Seeds

Like other seeds, gladiolus seeds stay viable longest when stored properly in cool, dry conditions. Follow these tips:

• Keep seeds in an airtight container like a glass jar or zip-close plastic bag.

• Add a desiccant pack to absorb excess moisture and prevent mold growth.

• Store containers in the refrigerator crisper drawer. Freezer storage works too.

• Avoid exposing seeds to humidity, heat, or direct sunlight.

• Use seeds within 1-2 years for best viability. Discard any that appear shriveled or damaged.

Proper harvesting, drying, and storage helps maintain gladiolus seed viability. Handle them carefully to preserve their ability to germinate.

How to Grow Gladiolus from Seeds

While not common, growing gladiolus from seeds is an interesting endeavor for patient gardeners. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Start Seeds Indoors

• In late winter, sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in seed starter mix. Water lightly to moisten.

• Cover flats with plastic wrap to retain moisture. Germination takes 4-6 weeks at 65-70°F.

• Once sprouted, remove the wrap and place under grow lights or in a sunny window.

Transplant Outdoors

• Harden off young gladiolus seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting outside after the last spring frost.

• Prepare planting beds with rich, well-draining soil in full sun. Space plants 6-8 inches apart.

• Keep seedlings consistently watered for the first year. Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly.

Wait for Flowers

• The first year, seedlings will produce grassy foliage but no blooms.

• By the second year, small corms develop at the base. Foliage may die back in winter.

• In year three, you can finally enjoy the first flower spikes! It’s worth the wait.

Save Selected Corms

• Lifting corms each fall isn’t mandatory, but it allows you to select and save the largest.

• Store the biggest, healthiest corms over winter for replanting. This allows you to continually evaluate and improve your new variety.

Share Your New Gladiolus

• Once established, a single plant can produce 10-20 cormlets annually. That’s plenty to share!

• Carefully dig up extras to gift fellow gardening friends or donate to plant sales.

• Introduce your new, unique gladiolus variety to the world!

The Reward of Growing Gladiolus from Seeds

While gladiolus seeds may take time and care to nurture into blooming plants, it’s a rewarding process. You get to watch a tiny seed grow into a brand new variety over several seasons. The element of surprise in seeing the blooms for the first time is so exciting!

Hybrids grown from seed can produce all sorts of fun, unexpected flower colors and forms. It’s like opening a gift when they finally bloom.

Saving your own gladiolus seeds connects you more intimately with the plant’s full lifecycle. And being able to share corms from your own hand-grown variety is very fulfilling.

So don’t discard those unassuming little gladiolus seed pods hidden on faded flower spikes. With proper care, they can become beautiful blooming plants. It just takes patience, diligence, and a spirit of curiosity. A whole new gladiolus awaits inside those tiny seeds!