PlantLife Online

Answer

If you live in a climate zone where it is necessary to remove the corms from the soil each year before the ground freezes, mishandled and improper storage of the corms will often lead to disappointing flowering. If your Gladiolus are left in the ground each year they should receive a fertilizer treatment each season. Apply a high-potash liquid fertilizer when the flower stalks are around 1 foot tall then reapply every 2 weeks until 3 weeks after the flowering stops. General care for gladiolus, as follows; corms should be planted 3-6 inches deep, and spaced 4"-6" apart. The soil should be amended with organic matter prior to planting, to provide nutrients and to help the soil retain just the right amount of moisture. Plant in a full to partial-sun site and with weekly watering the corms should produce healthy foliage and flowering stalks.