Comparing Gladiolus varieties — notes from growing several

I've grown several varieties within the Gladiolus family and have some observations to share. wide range of flower forms, heights, and flowering times varies noticeably between them, more than catalogue descriptions suggest. The care fundamentals are shared — planting at three times the depth of the bulb applies across all of them.

narcissus fly larvae tunnelling into the base of the bulb affects some more than others, particularly in adverse conditions. I grow mine in a mixed border with later-emerging perennials to hide dying foliage which works well for most varieties. peak spring bulb display from tulips and daffodils is the clearest moment of differentiation between varieties — that's when the character of each comes through. Worth growing a few side by side if you have the space.