GLADIOLUS MIXED COLOURS

Planting Gladiolus Mixed Colours

• Plant overview: Gladiolus Mixed Colours produces tall, elegant flower spikes in a wide range of vibrant shades, making them a classic choice for summer borders, cutting gardens, and floral displays. Grown from corms, they provide strong vertical interest and excellent cut flowers.

• When to plant:

  • Plant corms from April to May, once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.

  • For a longer flowering season, plant in batches every two weeks until early June.

• Site selection:

  • Choose a sunny, sheltered position for best flowering and strong stems.

  • Protection from strong winds reduces the risk of stems snapping.

• Soil preparation:

  • Gladioli prefer fertile, well-drained soil.

  • Improve planting areas with well-rotted compost or organic matter before planting.

  • Avoid heavy or waterlogged soils, which can cause poor growth or corm rot.

• Planting depth and spacing:

  • Plant corms 10–15cm deep, with the pointed end facing upwards.

  • Space corms 10–15cm apart in borders or slightly closer for cut-flower production.

• Container planting:

  • Suitable for deep, heavy containers with good drainage.

  • Use a loam-based compost with added grit for stability and drainage.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water well after planting to settle the soil.

  • Keep soil evenly moist during active growth, particularly in dry weather.

• Feeding:

  • Feed every 2–3 weeks with a high-potassium liquid fertiliser once flower spikes begin to form.

  • Regular feeding supports tall stems and vibrant blooms.

• Staking and support:

  • Most gladioli benefit from staking, especially in open or windy gardens.

  • Insert supports early to avoid disturbing roots later.

• Mulching and weed control:

  • Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  • Keep areas weed-free to reduce competition for water and nutrients.

• Pests and diseases:

  • Watch for thrips, which can damage flowers and foliage.

  • Ensure good spacing and air circulation to reduce fungal disease risk.

Flowering, Cutting, and Aftercare

• Flowering period:

  • Gladiolus Mixed Colours typically flowers from mid-summer to early autumn, depending on planting time.

  • Successive planting ensures a longer display.

• Cut flower use:

  • Excellent for cutting.

  • Harvest when the lowest flower bud has just opened, leaving at least four leaves on the plant.

• Deadheading:

  • Remove spent flower spikes once flowering finishes to keep plants tidy.

  • Leave foliage intact to feed the corm.

• After flowering:

  • Allow leaves to yellow and die back naturally.

  • This process strengthens the corm for the following season.

• Lifting corms:

  • In autumn, lift corms once foliage has died back.

  • Shake off soil and cut stems down to a few centimetres.

• Drying and storage:

  • Dry corms for 2–3 weeks in a warm, airy, frost-free place.

  • Remove old corms and store healthy ones only.

• Winter storage:

  • Store in paper bags or trays in a cool, dry, frost-free location.

  • Check occasionally and discard any showing signs of rot.

• Replanting:

  • Replant stored corms the following spring once frost risk has passed.

Gladiolus Mixed Colours is a reliable and versatile choice, rewarding good soil preparation, regular feeding, and support with colourful summer displays and excellent cut flowers

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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