Gladiolus: planting and care in the open field, cultivation and storage

Gladiolus (skewer) belongs to the group of flowers in demand among Russian gardeners for its unpretentiousness and colorful flowering. At the same time, the plant was considered a weed for a long time. Regardless of the type of gladiolus chosen, planting and caring for a flower does not cause any particular difficulties even for inexperienced gardeners. However, this does not mean that the plant will grow anywhere and without proper nutrition.

Description and characteristics of the plant

Gladiolus is the common name for the flowers of the Iris family, which includes over 250 varieties of the plant.In Russia, mainly hybrid varieties are grown, obtained by crossing European and African. Due to the wide variety of flowers, it makes sense to consider the characteristics of individual types of gladioli that are in demand among gardeners:

1. Moscow Belokamennaya. In length, the gladiolus grows up to 150 centimeters. White flowers on a straight stem reach 14 centimeters in diameter. On one trunk, no more than 8 buds bloom at the same time. Flowering of this variety begins in July.
2. Beautiful. An early variety of gladiolus. The first yellow flowers bloom in early June. The stem of Krasava is long. Up to 24 buds are formed on one trunk.
3. Priscilla. On the gladiolus of this variety, white-pink flowers bloom with a raspberry edging. The length of the barrel does not exceed 100 centimeters.
4. Amber B altic. 160 cm gladiolus with large flowers (up to 15 cm in diameter) of light red color. Up to 23 buds bloom on one trunk.
5. Grand Duchess Elizabeth. A non-standard variety of gladiolus, characterized by a small stem (up to 70 centimeters) and abundant flowering (up to 22 buds). The flowers are distinguished by a combination of orange and pink shades.

Despite the different flowering times, gladioli are planted in early spring. For each of the varieties there are the same requirements for the place of growth and care. In addition to the above, breeders have also bred varieties of gladiolus, which are distinguished by compact flowers. But due to the fact that the plant grows straight up and is characterized by a small crown, each variety can be grown in a flower bed of any size.

How to choose gladiolus bulbs before planting?

For planting, it is not recommended to take bulbs with spots. The latter indicate that the plant is infected. It is also not recommended to take large bulbs, since the flower has spent a lot of energy on the formation of such a root crop.Because of this, the likelihood that the gladiolus will take root in a new place is reduced.

Optimal for planting are bulbs with a diameter of 2-4 centimeters, with one sprout 3-7 millimeters long and a skin of a reddish or dark golden hue.

Features of growing flowers

For the successful cultivation of gladioli in open ground, the following rules must be observed:

1. Flowers need to be replanted every 2 years.
2. It is recommended to transplant into soil with a different composition (from black soil to loam and so on).
3. Plant varieties adapted to the specific climate in the area.
4. Do not plant large and small bulbs side by side, as the latter will not grow.
5. Follow the recommendations for planting depth, otherwise the stem will not break through the thickness of the earth.

Gladiolus are distinguished by the fact that they do not tolerate prolonged drought, abundant and frequent watering, as well as the absence of sunlight and drafts. The plant does not bloom under such conditions and often gets sick.

When to plant

It is recommended to plant bulbs in spring. At the same time, the soil should warm up (up to 10 degrees), bypass the threat of night frosts. If this rule is observed, then the plant will bloom in August.

Choosing a seat

Grow gladioli in well-ventilated and sunny places, protected from strong winds. Flowers do not tolerate proximity to cruciferous and carrots. Also, bulbs should not be planted in a place where potatoes previously grew. This provokes a wireworm infection.

Soil preparation

The soil for gladioli must be prepared in the fall. In acidic soil, it is recommended to apply potash, phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers.Also, these soils are fertilized with lime or dolomite flour. In the place where the bulbs are planted, a drainage layer must be created that will prevent rotting of the rhizomes.

In heavy soils, create a pillow by pouring 10 centimeters of river sand into a pre-dug hole. The latter will ensure the outflow of excess moisture.

Preplant preparation of corms

2 weeks before planting, the hard shell is removed from the bulbs and laid out on a flat surface, on which diffused light falls. Before transferring the material to the soil, the tubers must be kept for 1-2 hours in a solution of potassium permanganate or 1 hour in Fundazol. It is recommended to plant those bulbs in which the rudiments of the stems are clearly visible on the surface. Two kidneys are allowed. But when growing such a flower, it is necessary to water and feed more often.

Plant and planting depth

Gardeners adhere to the following rules for deepening root bulbs:

• if compact bulbs are planted, the plant is buried by 3-5 centimeters;
• medium bulbs - 8-10 centimeters;
• large - 12-15 centimeters.

Bulbs are planted in pre-prepared furrows, on the bottom of which a layer of sand or sphagnum is previously laid out. After that, the earth is moistened. Gladiolus are planted at a distance of 15-20 centimeters. The next furrow in the garden is dug at a distance of 20-25 centimeters.

At the end, the bulbs are covered with earth. After a few days, when sprouts appear, it is necessary to add soil near the root of the plant, thereby strengthening the stem.

If gladioli are grown in sandy or light soil, then the bulbs are deepened by 1-2 centimeters more than recommended. Otherwise, an adult plant will bend down to the ground.

Rules for the care of gladioli

Care for gladioli should begin after the first shoots appear. Already in the initial period of growth, the flower will need fertilizer and periodic watering.

Mulching

To reduce the frequency of watering, it is recommended to mulch the plant after the stems reach 10 centimeters in length. To do this, a 5-centimeter layer of humus is brought under the flower.

Irrigation

In the warm season, gladioli are watered once a week. During the dry period, this procedure is recommended to be carried out every other day. During the hot season, the plant requires daily watering. This should be done in the evening, before weeding the beds. Water for irrigation needs to be heated.

Fertilizer

Gladiolus fertilize according to the following scheme:

1. When the stem length reaches 10 centimeters, organic fertilizers (compost or humus) are applied under the plant.
2. After the formation of 3-4 full-fledged leaves, a mixture of 2 tablespoons of ammonium sulfate or urea and 10 liters of water is added. This volume is enough to fertilize one square meter. After applying top dressing should be deepened by one centimeter.
3. In the period of formation of 5-6 leaves and during budding, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied.

In the warm season, it is also recommended to feed the flower once every two weeks with an infusion of bird droppings diluted in water in a ratio of 1:10.

Garter

Large gladioli must be tied up. For this, various designs are used. In particular, gardeners install sticks at each flower. You can also drive stakes around the perimeter of the beds and stretch between the rows of wire, tying a flower to each.

Disease and pest control

In the treatment and prevention of gladiolus diseases are used:

• solution of soda ash or drinking soda (against fungus);
• solutions of Fufanon, Karbofos or Decis (against earwig);
• garlic (against rot and fusarium), which is planted in a garden with gladioli (affected roots must be destroyed);
• superphosphate, ash or tobacco ash (from slugs);
• Karate or Fastak (from thrips and aphids).

Solutions should be treated with a flower immediately after the appearance of signs of infection. Ashes and tobacco ash must be scattered between the rows.

When to dig up plants?

It is recommended to dig bulbs for winter storage 35-40 days after the end of flowering. This procedure must be carried out on a dry day. First, the early varieties are dug out, and then the late ones. At the same time, the stems must be cut off, leaving only the bulbs.

Storage of gladiolus bulbs

After digging the bulbs, rinse under running water and disinfect in a solution of Fundazol. Next, gladioli must be laid out to dry for 2-3 days.

After preparing for winter, the bulbs are placed at the bottom of the box, covered with paper, and placed in the room. The plant should be stored at a temperature of 5-10 degrees and an average humidity of 60-70%. In order to prevent infection, garlic heads should be placed on the bulbs, changing the latter every month.

Features of cultivation in other regions of Russia

Growing gladioli in Siberia and the Urals is associated with certain difficulties, since in these regions summer is shorter and comes later. In this regard, it is recommended to first plant the bulbs in pots at home, and after the appearance of the first sprouts, transfer them to open ground. If necessary, flowers can be grown in closed greenhouses.

Where to buy gladiolus bulbs?

Gladiolus bulbs can be purchased at almost any flower shop. Before buying, each plant must be considered, culling the affected.

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