Experienced grower's notes on Gladiolus

I've been growing plants seriously for over fifteen years and Gladiolus remains a reliable favourite. For anyone starting out: the most critical thing is lifting and drying tender bulbs before autumn frosts. Everything else follows from that.

narcissus fly larvae tunnelling into the base of the bulb is the challenge that trips up most beginners and some experienced growers too. I've been growing mine in a formal bedding scheme for maximum visual impact for three seasons now and the results are consistently good. wide range of flower forms, heights, and flowering times is what makes it worth coming back to year after year. summer bulbs like gladiolus and allium extending the season is when I show it off — it earns its place fully then.