Gladioli

[cacran]

My gladioli plants have spread lots. They don't seem to be flowering. I thought I could possibly dig them up and split them. Does any one have any advice on this. It is my intention to devote a bed to flowers for cutting. Perhaps I could start with these?

[cacran]

[Tee Gee]

My gladioli plants have spread lots. They don't seem to be flowering.

I thought I could possibly dig them up and split them. Does any one have any advice on this.

As I see it you have never ever lifted them and I think that could well be your problem.

Gladioli are corms not bulbs meaning they replace themselves each year.

Add to this the prolific amounts of bulbils/spawn they produce your plants are being starved of vital nutrients as there are not enough to go around.

I lift my lot every year and only plant the largest and most viable of them the rest are scrapped!

I have in the past, but not now, saved the bulbils to increase my stock but this can take two to three years to come about.

Have a look at this link and it might clarify things for you!

http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Gladioli/Gladiolus.htm

It so happens I lifted my crop yesterday, tops and all. I will leave the tops on until such time as my bulbs are dry then I will pull the tops off (not cut) clean off the husks and spawn then store them in a paper or string bag until planting out time.

I hope that helps!

[cacran]

Sorry for not getting back to you before. Thanks for your help and advice.