Beginner success with Gladiolus — here is what helped

As a complete beginner I was nervous about starting with Gladiolus. It turned out to be more forgiving than I expected, as long as I paid attention to lifting and drying tender bulbs before autumn frosts.

I grow mine in a naturalised lawn planting for a wild spring effect which is working really well. wide range of flower forms, heights, and flowering times was a genuine surprise — I didn't expect it to look or perform like that. summer bulbs like gladiolus and allium extending the season has been the highlight so far. My biggest mistake early on was ignoring narcissus fly larvae tunnelling into the base of the bulb, which I'd recommend addressing immediately.