Gladioli are colourful flowers with an unusual shape that will add character to a garden. They are enjoyed by seasoned gardeners and beginners because they aren’t too fussy about soil – they will grow well in any kind of good soil, for the most part. Many gardeners choose to plant gladioli bulbs, seeing the flowers through until the bloom. Why not join the other gardeners who love gladioli and plant your own bulbs this spring?

Why choose gladioli? 

Gladioli help create a tropical look in your garden, with their flower spikes that stand out from the crowd. They are versatile, pretty flowers that are traditional, yet can adapt well to a modern garden or space. With all of their colour, they make a really interesting feature within any garden.

Types of gladiolus 

Gladioli come in different varieties and these are some of the most popular that you can choose and buy easily:

• Butterfly gladioli
• Medium flowering gladioli
• Dwarf gladiolus

All varieties have their own distinguished and unique look that you can enjoy. You can have lots of fun planting gladioli bulbs, because of their tall, colourful appearance. Many gardeners choose to plant them in long lines – you can walk between them and they will form a kind of walkway. This can also make it easier to look after the flowers, because it will be easy to cut them back and keep them in a manageable shape. However, you can also use them as statement pieces in your garden. Plant them alongside other plants and flowers, especially shorter ones, because the gladioli will reach above them, stand out and create an area of interest.

How to plant and grow gladioli bulbs 

Here is a guide to planting and caring for your gladioli bulbs:

1. You should plant gladioli bulbs between March and June, when the weather and soil have started to warm up. You should be confident that you are planting after the last frost has passed.
2. Plant the bulbs around 4 inches deep in the soil and plant around 3-6 inches apart, depending on the look you would like to achieve.
3. Choose a spot that gets lots of sun, with well drained soil. You should also plant them with a good layer of compost.
4. It will take gladioli around 90 days to take root, grow and bloom.
5. Keep the soil around a gladiolus moist. If there isn’t a lot of rainfall, water the soil throughout the summer months. You might want to use a mulch to help keep the soil moist.
6. Deadhead the flowers once they die off to help encourage growth. They should continue to grow back each year if they are happy in the spot you have chosen.

The other main factor is the quality of the bulbs you plant. Make sure they are not mouldy or rotting and that they look healthy when you receive them. You can buy bulbs online or in garden centres – check the supplier or retailer to see how many products they offer and how well regarded they are.