The Gladiolus illyricus They are bulbous plants with ornamental flowers capable of brightening our day. Although they bloom for a very short period of time, their petals are so colorful and decorative that they can serve as an excuse to do something as simple as smile 😉.
If we talk about its maintenance, it is very simple as I will tell you below. So if you would like to have a very special corner, full of color, let's get to know these magnificent plants in depth.
Origin and characteristics of Gladiolus illyricus
Our protagonists are perennial and bulbous plants originating in the northern region of the Mediterranean, belonging to the genus Gladiolus, that of the gladioli. They can reach a height of about 40 to 70cm, with green, linear leaves that sprout from an underground organ called the corm. The flowers are grouped in inflorescences and are zygomorphic, as well as hermaphroditic and pink in color. The fruit is a dry 3-shell capsule containing winged seeds.
After flowering, both the floral stem, the flowers and the leaves dry out, leaving only the fruits if it has produced them, and the corm, which will keep the plant alive thanks to the nutrients that its roots have been absorbing during the vegetative period, that is, of growth.
They are popularly known as wild gladiolus, rapier grass, lesser gladiolus, or rapier.
What are the care it requires?
If you dare to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:
Location
So that they can produce healthy flowers, it is very important that they are placed outside, in an area where they get direct sun ideally throughout the day.
Indoors they do not grow well, as the light that enters homes is usually insufficient for them to grow properly. But if you have an indoor patio with a glass roof, they will likely suit.
Earth
Gladiolus are not very demanding, but you have to know that they fear waterlogging. That is why we advise the following:
- Flower pot: choose one that has drainage holes, and fill it with universal substrate mixed with 30% perlite.
- Garden: if the soil you have tends to compact a lot, and / or if it is difficult to absorb the water, make a planting hole of at least 30 x 30cm, and fill it with the substrate mixture mentioned above.
Irrigation
Generally, they will be watered an average of 2 times a week from the moment the corm is planted until the flowers wither. Then once a week will suffice, or even less if it rains in moderation. When in doubt, check the humidity, for example by inserting a thin wooden stick or a digital humidity meter.
It is important to water until the substrate or soil is very moist, so if it is in a pot you have to pour water until it comes out through the drainage holes, and if it is in the garden you have to add between 1 and 2 liters of Water.
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During flowering, it can be paid with a specific fertilizer for bulbous plants following the indications specified on the package, or with other organic ones such as guano, or algae extract for example.
Multiplication
Gladioli multiply by seeds in autumn, or more frequently, by division of 'bulbitos' in spring-summer:
Seeds
The seeds will be sown in seedbeds with universal substrate, trying not to bury them too much and that they are not piled up. Then, it is watered and they are placed outside, in semi-shade.
If all goes well, they will germinate in spring.
Division of 'bulbitos'
After flowering, bulbous plants tend to produce new bulbs. These can be separated when they are about 3 centimeters in size, and planted in individual pots.
In spring they will sprout.
Pests
They can be affected by trips y aphids, which can be fought with diatomaceous earth for example, or with Home Remedies like garlic.
Management
Vulnerable to fungal diseases, that is, those transmitted by fungi. Botrytis, roya, and fusarium they are common when overwatered. You have to try to water only when necessary, avoiding waterlogging.
You can even do preventive fungicide or sulfur treatments during the rainy season.
Planting or transplanting time
In winter-spring, so that they can bloom in summer.
Bulb preservation
Once the flowers have withered, you can store the bulbs in a cool and dry place.
Another option is to leave them planted in the pot and protect it from inclement weather by putting it indoors or in a greenhouse, or leave the bulbs in the ground if you are growing them in the garden and it is not too cold in your area.
Rusticity
Resists up to -4ºC.
What are they used for?
The Gladiolus illyricus, like the rest of gladioli, are plants with a high ornamental value, so they are planted both in pots and in gardens to brighten up sunny corners during the summer. Also, the flowers can be used as a cut flower.
What do you think?