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?
QuoteMy 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 (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!
Sorry for not getting back to you before. Thanks for your help and advice.