Image shows Gladbox15 (150 corms on the left) and this choice, Gladbox10 (100 corms) on the right.
This year we have filled Priority Mail boxes with a nice assortment of 10-pack Gladiolus packages (Glad Box 10), individually labeled for your convenience in planting. The medium boxes weigh 7 to 8 pounds each (100 corms, heavy to pink and white varieties) and Priority Mail shipping is INCLUDED in the price for anywhere in the lower 48 states, plus Alaska.
You can plant every two weeks to stagger the bloom until first frost, but allow at least 90 days of growing time for the last batch planted. Cost per box is $75 delivered. The earliest orders received will have the widest assortment of varieties, but some duplication of varieties will occur as stock becomes low.
These are overstocks from the flower and garden shows, of which many are varieties were not shown in the catalog. We are giving you a "closeout" price now, no need to wait until summer to buy economically. A good choice for the Farmer's Market or roadside flower stands, these can be planted every two weeks for staggered bloom all summer into early fall.
Please note that prices INCLUDE shipping. However, should you also order lily bulbs or other merchandise at the same time, postage will be triggered by the website and added to the order because these boxes are already full.
Originating from wild species native to South Africa, Mediterranean regions and the Middle East, extensive hybridization since the late 1600’s has obscured the originating parentage of most modern hybrids that we know and love today, but their popularity has not diminished. Liking reasonably fertile, well-drained soil, regular watering and weeding, (just like our lily bulbs) “Glads” will bloom during, and just after Lily Season, adding their own special aura to your garden. Full sun is preferred, but light shade or half day sun is OK in warmer areas.
Height ranges from about 30 inches to almost 5 feet tall. Taller varieties should be protected from strong wind and planted deeper, five bulbs together is our preferred technique, which makes them easier to weed and somewhat self supporting, but light staking could still be needed. When used in floral arrangements, cut Glads just when the first flower is open, leaving 5 or 6 leaves per plant to feed the corm. Bulbs only require a light mulching in USDA Zones 8 to 9/10 to discourage winter germinating weeds and can be left in the ground if very well drained. In slightly colder climates, such as Zone 7 (0-10 degrees F.), add a layer thicker layer of insulating mulch or simply lift bulbs to store them in a frost-free location over winter, a good plan if winter temperatures have been unusually colder or wetter the last few years.
Glads can also be grown in large containers, up against a wall or fence for support, but do choose shorter varieties. Plant after garden soil has thawed and can be worked in spring. A few frosts while bulbs are still underground will not harm the sprouts, so there’s no need to wait until after “last frost”, but do be mindful if your soil is soggy from high rainfall. Dig/loosen soil to an approximate depth of 12 inches to allow roots room to grow.
Plant Gladiolus corms with the flattened side down and the growing tip upward, setting 4 inches deep for shorter growing cultivars and up to 6 inches deep for the tall ones .Space 5 corms 4 to 5 inches apart in a hole about 10 inches across. Pat soil down firmly and water to remove air pockets.
Do you want flowers throughout the summer? Plant a bag of each variety every two weeks for staggered bloom and be sure to cut any late flowering stems before first frost. If you are in a cold climate, dig corms before frost.
Fall digging: Cut stems to about one inch above corm and clean off soil. Let dry for one to two weeks in a warm spot with good air circulation. When dry enough to easily separate the corms, discard the original corm from the bottom, saving next year’s flowering size offshoots, then store in a basement or garage that will not freeze during winter to “cure” and harden the bulb. Plastic mesh onion bags, old panty hose or cloth bags made from loosely woven fabric are all good for storing corms because they allow air to freely circulate.
Best in Zones 7 to 10. Bulbs only require a light mulching in USDA Zones 8 to 9/10 to discourage winter germinating weeds and can be left in the ground if very well drained. In slightly colder climates, such as Zone 7 (0-10 degrees F.), add a layer thicker layer of insulating mulch or simply lift bulbs to store them in a frost-free location over winter, a good plan if winter temperatures have been unusually colder or wetter the last few years.
