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Bulbs/gladiolus bulbs

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Expert: Long Island Gardener - 7/17/2008


Question
Hi, I live in Detroit, MI zip code 48220 to be exact. I planted "harty" glads in late April - early May and am wondering if I will see any blooms this year? Thus far all I have is large green foliage.

Answer
Gladiolus blooms in 75 to 85 days after being planted -- that would put your delivery due date at 75-80 days as of July 23.  Good things come to those who wait... usually.

But...

that's 'HARDY' Glads you planted... probably Gladiolus byzantinus, perhaps G. communis.  SPRING blooming plants, hardy to Zone 5.  Corms are planted 5 inches deep (important).

Have you seen this Bulb featured on the website of the online Bulb retailer, Old House Gardens?

www.oldhousegardens.com/byzantineGlad.asp

Seems some vendors sell EXPENSIVE G. byzantinus, and others sell DIRT CHEAP G. byzantinus.  Old House compares the two at said webpage.  I'd have a peek if I were you.

If you did indeed plant hardy Gladiolus, it will not bloom until next Spring.

Any comments on this welcome,

THE LONG ISLAND GARDENER  

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Expertise

Growing Tulips? Dahlias? Daffodils? Gladiolus? It doesn't get easier than bulbs and tubers. Once in a while, something goes wrong: The dreaded Narcissus Bulb Fly, which resembles a honeybee. Mosaic virus, which can ignite a field of tulips in a single season. Nematodes, lurking underground. Here on the North Shore of Long Island, the garden is full of surprises. If you live in the Northeast/Atlantic Coast, I can help you pick the right bulb for every season, indoors and out, and help you fertilize, bloom and harvest for home or work. How: I have degrees in related fields, but my best understanding is all learned from trial and error. For most of my 53 years I have been gardening somewhere. No matter what the problem, I've learned the best answers are always Organic -- Earth friendly, less expensive, healthier for people and pets, easier and cleaner than toxic liquids and powders that big chemical companies sell so smoothly.

Experience

Besides degrees in related fields, and a few favorite horticultural societies, I work as a docent at our local botanical gardens -- but it's the years of work in the garden that's the real test.

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