Gladiolus

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Liliopsida

Order: Asparagales

Family: Iridaceae

Genus: Gladiolus

The Gladiolus flower implies remembrance. It also expresses passion, impress the other one that he or she penetrates the heart. It stands for determination, authenticity and honor. Gladiolus bulbs are not actually bulbs. In botanical terminology, Gladiolus bulbs are referred as corms. Gladioli are not cultivated from seed except for production of new varieties

In temperate climates, Gladiolus plants are attractive, perennial herbs and semi hardy. From numerous layers of brownish and fibrous tunics wrapped from rounded, symmetrical corms, Gladiolus are grown. They are subtended by 2 leathery and green bracts. Tepals are sepals and petals whose appearances are almost identical. At the base, they are united into a tube-shaped structured. Largest one is the dorsal tepal arching over the three stamens.

The outer three tepals are narrower in shape. The perianth of Gladiolus are of funnel-shaped, with attached stamens at its base. The style of Gladiolus has filiforms, spoon-shaped branches, each expanding towards the apex.

How to grow Gladiolus:

Gladiolus are best to grow in spring season. The soil used to grow vegetables is good to grow Gladiolus. Gladiolus can easily be grown from seeds. Keep the area open around the Gladiolus as they don’t contend well with other plants. Implant the seeds in early spring as it will take 70-80 days from planting until flowering. Implant the seeds in a well-drained flat 8 to 10 inches deep, filled with two thirds top soil and one third leaf mold with a good amount of sand added. Best to keep the soil moist to produce the largest flowers. During the summer months, set the seedling’s container outside in a full sun. At this time, small corms should be taken out from the plants and keep them for winter and plant them apart in winters in a border about 3 inches.

Propagation:

Gladiolus is propagated by corms, a underground stem, similar to a bulb.

Uses:

The gladiolus is best both for garden and floral decoration. It is best as a cut flower, border, very good for beds, for making bouquets and good in pots.

The gladiolus is on the top for its beauty, glamour keeping quality, various colours and shades, shapes among the different bulbous plants, hence it is called as "Queen of Bulb".

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