Wonderful and multi-colored, and even terry gladiolus will decorate any flower bed.
After flowering, it is important that the plant grows a bulb for future flowering in the following year. Then, at the end of September, dig them up, dry them, put them in a cardboard box and leave them in a dry and cool place. In order to get a good and lush flower bed of gladiolus, it is important to follow some nuances of their correct planting in the ground.
Preparation and treatment of gladioli bulbs
When buying gladiolus bulbs, pay attention to their appearance. They must be young, no more than 3 cm in volume, have no signs of disease, and no external damage. The height of the bulb should not be much smaller than its diameter and a small bottom.
After, carry out the pre-sowing preparation of the bulbs. To do this, 30 days before sowing, remove last year’s dry husk, rotten and diseased specimens from gladiolus bulbs. Disinfect the selected healthy material. To do this, dip it in a 0.3 percent solution of potassium permanganate, and then spread them in one layer with the bottom down in a lighted place with a temperature of about 27 degrees, to accelerate the awakening of the buds and their rapid germination.
Planting gladiolus bulbs in the ground in a flower bed in spring
Carry out pre-sowing soil preparation. To do this, it must be neutral, loose and dug to a depth of 20 cm. After that, evenly distribute the following top dressing over the surface: per 1 sq. m. m. plot 10 kg. rotted humus, 40 gr. ammonium nitrate, 30 gr. potassium salt and 50 gr. superphosphate. When the area has too heavy soil, mix it with sand.
As soon as the soil on the site warms up to a depth of 15 cm to 10 degrees, start planting gladiolus bulbs in it. Planting time is usually mid to late spring months. Everything will depend on the weather conditions of your region.
The scheme of planting gladiolus is of great importance. The distance between the bulbs should be 15 cm, and the distance between the rows should be about 25 cm. This will allow the roots of the plant to receive the necessary nutrients, and the wide distance between the rows will provide maximum illumination with sunlight and good ventilation.
Dig the bulbs into well-moistened soil so that they have enough moisture for growth. First pour water on the dry land, and then plant the plants. Do not bury the bulbs too deeply, as this can slow down the process of their growth and delay further flowering. The roots will begin to rot and this will lead to the death of the entire plant. Plant the gladiolus bulbs with the already grown sprouts facing up and sprinkle it with earth, without pressing around it, so as not to disturb the air exchange. After that, water the bed between the rows and cover with light agrofibre or other material to protect the plantings from turning frosts.
When the summer heat comes, carry out regular watering of the plantings, at least once every 7 days, in the amount of 10 liters. of water per 1 sq. m. beds To do this, make shallow grooves in the rows and pour clean water into them. Next, sprinkle them with soil so that the water does not evaporate from the ponds. 70-100 days should pass from planting the bulbs to full flowering, everything will depend on the quality of the seed material and its care.
