ready sum-up
Gladioli are striking , blade - shaped flowers that add a touch of elegance to any garden . While they typically bloom in summertime , you’re able to force gladiolus bulbs to flower to begin with , allowing you to enjoy their sweetheart indoors or inearly outflow . This guide will provide you with a step - by - step processon how to force gladiolus bulbs successfully .
Selecting Suitable Bulbs
The first gradation is to select healthy , firm corpus sternum bulbsthat are devoid from defect or disease . Choose bulb that are at least 1 inch in diameter and have apointed confidential information . Avoid bulb that are soft or have visible roots .
Pre-Cooling the Bulbs
Gladiolus bulb want a period ofcold storagebefore they can be forced . This cognitive operation helps to transgress their dormancy and advance them to sprout . Place the electric-light bulb in apaper bagor cardboard box and store them in a icebox for 6 to 8 weeks at a temperature of around 40 ° F ( 4 ° C ) .
Preparing the Containers
Choose container that are at least 6 inches bass and havedrainage holesat the bottom . Fill the container with a well - drainingpotting mixspecifically project for lightbulb . Moisten the potting mix before planting .
Planting the Bulbs
Plant thegladiolus bulbs pointy sideup , with the tips about 2 inch below thesoil surface . distance the bulbs 2 to 3 inches apart . irrigate the bulb exhaustively after planting .
Providing Optimal Conditions
Place the containers in a location that receives bright , indirect light . Ideal temperatures for forcing gladiolus bulbs are between 55 ° F and 65 ° F ( 13 ° C and 18 ° C ) . Keep thepotting mix moistbut not waterlogged .
Fertilizing the Plants
Supporting the Stems
As thegladiolus plants get , they will demand documentation to preclude them from topple over . Insert stakes into the soil around the plants and tie thestems looselyto the stake .
Harvest and Enjoyment
Once theflower spindle beginto germinate , slenderize watering slightly to encourage blooming . When the first few blossom open , cut the stems and enjoy the vibrant colors andelegant bloomsof your forced gladiolus .
Troubleshooting
Q : Why are mygladiolus bulbsnot sprouting?A : confirm whether the bulbs were stored at thecorrect temperaturefor long enough . see to it that thepotting mixis moist but not waterlogged . Q : What can I do if mygladiolus plantsare too tall and leggy?A : thin the amount of fertilizer and bring home the bacon more light . Consider staking the flora to support their stems . Q : How can I prevent mygladiolus flowersfrom fleet quickly?A : Keep the plants in a coolheaded location andavoid placingthem indirect sunlight . murder any wilt flowers promptly . Q : Can Iforce gladiolus bulbsmore than once?A : Yes , gladiolus bulbscan beforced multiple times . However , the tone of the efflorescence may decline with each forcing . Q : Can Iforce gladiolus bulbsin water?A : Yes , but it is not as in effect as using soil . Place the bulb in a container with water , ensuring that the base of the bulbs is submerged . modify the piss every few days .
