Gladiolus Black

Gladioli Black Large Flowering Bulbs – Black Gladioli flowers, a dramatic variety flowering deep purple, almost black for maximum impact.

Growing Gladioli

Where do I plant gladioli bulbs?

Gladioli require good drainage and plenty of sun. For best results grow in moist, but well-drained soil, in full sun.

When do I plant gladioli bulbs?

Plant gladioli bulbs in spring, there’s no need to soak them beforehand. You can plant in pots from March if keep them in a frost-free spot, or directly into the ground from May. You might get away with planting gladioli bulbs as late as July – but they might not flower before the frosts come. You can stagger their flowering by planting a handful a week from March onwards to extend the display. Those planted in pots can simply be plunged into borders as they come into flower.

Plant 15cm deep in moist but well-drained soil. In heavier soils, you can add a handful of horticultural grit to aid drainage.

How do I care for gladioli?

Water well during the growing season and stake before the flower spike emerges. While in flower, give your gladioli tomato or comfrey feed every couple of weeks.

Can I leave gladioli bulbs in the ground?

The traditional method of growing gladioli bulbs in the UK is to dig up the corms in autumn and overwinter them in frost-free conditions. For tender varieties, and in colder parts of the country, it will be best to lift them. For hardier varieties, or in the south of the UK, you will probably get away with covering them with a thick mulch in autumn. Divide congested clumps every few years.