Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Gladiolus spp. are cormous perennials grown for their tall, showy spikes of often brightly colored flowers, blooming from summer to early autumn.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist during growth, reduce in autumn.
Well-drained, sandy loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 10-25°C during the growing season; protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced fertilizer during active growth and flowering.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Bulbs can cause gastrointestinal upset, and contact may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water gladiolus regularly during the growing season, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as the foliage begins to yellow and die back in autumn.
Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot and fungal diseases.
Remove spent flower spikes promptly to encourage the plant to put energy into bulb development rather than seed production.
Once the foliage has yellowed and died back naturally in autumn, cut the stems down to ground level. This helps prevent disease overwintering.
Gladiolus are primarily propagated by corms. In autumn or early spring, carefully dig up the mature corms and separate any smaller offsets (cormels) attached to them.
Plant these cormels or corms in well-draining soil, and they will gradually mature over several seasons.
Gladiolus are typically grown as annuals or are lifted and stored over winter. If grown in containers and aiming for perennialization, repot every 2-3 years in early spring into fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Ensure adequate space for root growth and corm development.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Gladiolus Spp. (Gladiolus spp.)
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Gladiolus |
| Species | Gladiolus spp. |
Similar in genus Gladiolus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
