Gladiolus (genus)

Japanese name: グラジオラス（春咲き）
Scientific name: Gladiolus

[Overview]
A perennial up to 1.5 m tall.
It grows from autumn to spring, and in summer the above-ground parts die back and it becomes dormant.
It has an underground corm.
The stem is thin and hard.
The leaves are cylindrical to sword-shaped, and the leaf base forms a sheath that clasps the stem.
A spike is produced at the stem tip and bears many flowers.
The size, color and shape of the flowers vary widely.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by dividing the corms.
If the bulbs are planted in early autumn, protect them from frost, for example by bringing them into a frame, so that the emerging leaves are not damaged.
If planted too late, the number of flowers the following spring will be small.
It prefers sunny, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
It dislikes acidic soil, so apply magnesian lime when planting.
It dislikes excess moisture, so during long rainy spells move potted plants out of the rain; for plants in the ground, plant them under the eaves or make a mound so that rainwater drains away.
Watch for excess moisture when watering; for potted plants, water when the soil surface dries, and for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
For potted plants, apply slow-release fertilizer in spring before flowering; for plants in the ground, none is particularly necessary.
The stems are thin, so stakes are needed.
Pests and diseases include thrips, aphids and spider mites.

View this page in Japanese (日本語)