Gladiolus Flowers

Scientific Name : Gladiolus sps- Iridaceace

Common/Local Name : Sword Lily

Gladiolus is a perennial favored for its beautiful, showy flowers with majestic spikes , which contain attractive,elegant and delicate florets. These florets open in sequence over longer duration and hence have a good keeping quality of cut spikes. Its flowers grow on tall spikes and are often found in cutting gardens or in the back along the border (because they are tall) Gladioli have many different colored flowers i.e self or bi-color even tri-color,with or without central mark vary in from white to dark crimson. It grow between 2 to 6 feet in height. It's good for cut flowers.

Climate

It can be successfully grown in the wide range of climatic conditions. The favorable range of temperature for this flower production is 25-30 degree Celsius.

Gladiolus requires open sunny situation.Although newly purchased corms are ready to bloom and should flower even in the shade, flower will be larger and brighter and stalks will be sturdier when they're planted in Sun.The glads will also be able to store more energy for the following year's bloom,which is critical if you plan to reuse your corms. The longer day length improves the spike quality.

Soil

For growing gladiolus successfully , fertile and well drained soil is better than heavy soils.The texture of heavy soil can be improved by mixing organic manure and sand for production of gladiolus.

Irrigation

Gladioli need plenty of water to flower well.Normally in sandy loam soil irrigation is required at the interval of 7 to 10 days.

Varieties

Gladiolus is rich in its varietal wealth .Gladiolus is available more than 200 different varieties and a wealth of colours all year round for the professional grower.But before introduction of new variety ,you should ensure its adaptability under local conditions.

White : White prosperity,White Friendship,Amsterdam,Alexander the great,Essential,Nova Zembla , New Wave , Flevo Eskimo , Of Singular Beauty , Silver Dream