Gladiolus belong to the iris family and are one of the most popular vase flowers because of their colorful and impressive flowers. With a height of up to 150 centimeters, the slender flower stalks are extremely impressive and are an attractive addition to any perennial bed.
When do gladioli bloom and how can the flowering period be extended?
Gladiolus have a flowering period from June to September, depending on the variety (early, medium or late flowering). Extend this by planting bulbs at different times or by combining different varieties. Pinch off spent flowers to help the upper buds bloom.
Flowering time depends on the variety
Not all gladiolus varieties bloom at the same time. As with many other plants, gladioli have early, medium and late flowering species. The flowering period for the early varieties begins in June, while the late bloomers only open their flowers in September.
The flowering period can be extended
The flowering period of the individual shoots is unfortunately very short and only lasts about two weeks, depending on the weather conditions. If you want the magnificent gladioli to bloom longer in your garden than in the neighboring gardens, you can extend the flowering period with a trick that is as simple as it is effective.
If you love a specific type of gladiolus, you can plant the bulbs about a week apart from May to the end of June. This causes the onion plants to sprout at different times and open the flowers little by little.
Special onion mixtures do the work for you
Alternatively, you can plant early and late-flowering gladiolus varieties. Once the early bloomers have bloomed, the next varieties open their flower heads, followed by the late-blooming species. This means there is no ugly gap in the flower bed and you can enjoy the beauty of the gladioli throughout the summer.
Tip
Often the top buds of gladioli do not open while the lower flowers have already bloomed. Here it helps to cut off everything that has faded so that no seeds form. The gladiolus then puts all its strength into the remaining flowers and the upper buds open.
