How to Grow Gladiolus: Planting Depth, Pots and Storing Corms
How to grow gladiolus in the plains, short answer: plant the corms (the flat “bulbs”) pointed side up, roughly 10 to 15 cm deep, from October to early December, in full sun, and stake them. Spikes open about two and a half to three months later, so October planting flowers around January and February. Plant a few corms every two weeks and you stretch the show across late winter instead of one crowded week.
The short version
- Plant: October to early December in Punjab and Sindh plains
- Depth: about four times the corm’s height, usually 10 to 15 cm
- Which way up: pointed tip up, flat scarred base down
- Spacing: 10 to 15 cm apart
- Pot: 30 cm wide and 30 cm deep (12 inches), about 15 to 20 litres, five to seven corms
- Sun: full sun, 6 hours or more
- After flowering: keep leaves until they yellow, then lift and store
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When to plant gladiolus bulbs
| Zone | Plant corms | Spikes |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | October to December | January to March |
| Multan, Sukkur, Bahawalpur | October to November | January to February |
| Lahore, Faisalabad, Delhi | October to early December | January to March |
| Islamabad, Peshawar | Late October to November, or February | February to April |
| Hills | March to May | Summer |
Frost can scorch leaves in Lahore or Islamabad in a hard January. Late October corms are usually tall enough to cope; December corms may be slow until February.
How deep to plant gladiolus bulbs, step by step
- Check the corms: firm, heavy, with a pointed bud on top. Discard any that are soft, mouldy or hollow. Bigger corms give bigger spikes.
- Prepare the pot: 2 parts soil, 1 part compost, 1 part sand. Our potting mix guide explains the parts. Drainage is essential; corms rot in wet mix.
- Dig: make holes about four times the corm’s height. For a typical 4 cm tall corm that is roughly 15 cm. Shallower planting gives wobbly spikes.
- Set each corm pointed tip up, flat base down, 10 to 15 cm apart.
- Cover and water once thoroughly.
- Place canes now, before shoots appear, so you do not spear corms later.
Plant every two weeks, not all at once
Split your corms into three or four batches. Plant one in mid October, the next in early November, the next in mid November and the last in early December. NC State Extension recommends consecutive plantings to extend flowering. Instead of every spike opening in the same week, you have something in bloom for six weeks or more.
Can gladiolus grow in pots?
Yes, if the pot is deep. Use at least 30 cm depth so you can plant at proper depth and the tall spike has an anchor. Dwarf or miniature types (sometimes sold as Nanus) suit 20 to 25 cm pots and need less staking. Group five to seven corms per 30 cm pot for a full look.
Care while they grow
Water
Water once at planting, then only when the top few centimetres dry out until shoots are up. Once leaves grow, water every four to six days in cool weeks and every two or three as spikes form in February. Our watering by season guide explains the finger test.
Feeding
Compost in the mix is the base. When the third or fourth leaf appears, add a flowering feed higher in potash, and repeat when spikes show.
Staking
Tie the spike loosely to its cane at two or three points as it rises. A tall gladiolus on a windy roof snaps easily.
Cutting for the vase
Cut when the lowest one or two flowers open. Leave at least four leaves on the plant; they feed next year’s corm.
Gladiolus care after flowering
- Cut the spent spike, but keep all leaves.
- Keep watering lightly and feed once more with potash. The leaves are rebuilding the corm.
- Stop watering once leaves turn yellow, usually six to eight weeks after flowering, around April in the plains.
- Lift the corms with a fork, cut off leaves about 2 cm above the corm, and shake off soil.
How to store gladiolus bulbs
Dry the corms in shade with air moving for two to three weeks. You will find the old shrivelled corm under the new one; snap it off and discard it. NC State advises storing clean, dry corms in mesh bags with good airflow at 2 to 5C, which in a Pakistani home in summer means the least cold part of a fridge, in a paper bag, away from fruit. If you have no fridge space, a dry, cool, dark cupboard in a net bag works for many, though some losses are likely in a 45C Multan summer. Check monthly and remove anything soft.
Multiplying: cormels
Around the base of a lifted corm you will find tiny cormels, the size of a chana. Store them with the big ones and plant them 5 cm deep in a separate pot next October. They take one or two seasons to reach flowering size. Free plants, if you are patient.
Why is my gladiolus not flowering?
| Sign | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves only, no spike | Small corm, shade, or leaves cut early last year | Full sun, bigger corms, keep leaves after bloom |
| Silvery streaks, flowers fail to open | Thrips | Remove damaged spikes; neem or soap spray early |
| Corm soft and rotten | Wet mix or bad storage | Better drainage; dry corms well before storing |
| Spike bends and breaks | Shallow planting, wind | Plant deeper; stake early |
NC State lists thrips, aphids, mealybugs and spider mites as the pests to watch. Thrips are the classic gladiolus problem.
Gladiolus is poisonous if eaten, with the highest concentration in the corms, and NC State lists it as a problem for cats, dogs and horses. Signs include drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea. Store corms where children and pets cannot reach, never in the vegetable basket, and label any corms kept in a fridge. If a child or pet eats a corm and is unwell, contact a doctor or vet. For any spray, read the label, wear gloves and a mask, and keep children and pets away until dry.
Gladiolus questions
When should I plant gladiolus in Lahore?
October to early December. October planting flowers around January to February.
Which way up do gladiolus bulbs go?
Pointed side up, flat base with old root marks down. If unsure, plant it on its side; the shoot will find its way.
How long after planting does gladiolus flower?
About two and a half to three months, longer in cold weeks.
Can I leave gladiolus corms in the pot?
In the plains, monsoon wet often rots them. Lifting and storing dry is safer.
Do gladiolus come back every year?
The corm renews itself each season if you keep the leaves until they yellow. Each year you get a new corm.
How many gladiolus corms per pot?
Five to seven in a 30 cm deep pot, 10 to 15 cm apart.
Why are my gladiolus leaves turning brown at the tips?
Often frost, dry soil or thrips. Check under leaf sheaths for tiny moving insects.
Should I soak gladiolus bulbs before planting?
There is no need. Plant dry corms into damp mix and water once.
More flower guides are in Phool aur Paudhe.