BASIC REQUIREMENTS
1. Gladiolus need a very well drained soil. This is essential for achieving good healthy plants.

2. They need a good open position with full sunlight.

3. Look for clean healthy firm corms that are clean from disease.

4 The correct planting time for Adelaide extends from mid June to mid September, this also includes places of a similar locality. Mid September to late December for the Adelaide hills areas.

5. We suggest that you employ a granular insecticide at planting time using chemicals such as SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE, DISULFOTON or other similar brands. This method can be used as a precautionary measure to prevent insect infestation. The other approach is to have a regular spraying program during their growing season using reliable insecticides. The main insect and which attacks gladiolus is Thrips and they will mark the flowers and eventually prevent the flowers on the spike from opening. For better adhesion of chemicals sprays, the addition of a wetting agent should be used.

6. Plant the gladiolus corms 10 to 12cm (4 - 5 inches) deep and in rows spaced apart at 38 to 60 cm (15 to 24inches). Space each corm at least 10cm (4 inches) apart .

7. Gladiolus, like every thing, requires ample water and a very heavy soaking each week. This is vital once plants have developed at least 6 leaves and until flowering is finished.

8. When cutting the flower spikes, leave as much foliage intact as is possible.

9. After flowering, continue to water, but do not flood for at least six weeks.

10. Regardless of what advice given, dig the corms before the foliage dies back, even though the leaves are still green. This is normally six to eight weeks after flowering. Watch the small leaf on the out side of the plant and when it turns brown, this is a assured indicator when to lift the corms.

11. Break the foliage from the corm rather than cutting and you will notice the foliage breaks away quite easily. Wash the corms in clean water, dry in shallow trays or mesh bags in a well-ventilated area and definitely not in the sun. Many articles may be used to store the corms, such as ice cream containers or old stockings etc.

12. We suggest that the corms may be cleaned about 2 to 3 weeks after lifting. This process is to remove the old or mother corm from the new cormlets. You will noticed there are a number of pea shaped cormlets adhering to the roots etc. This is a good way to build up stocks of corms for they may be planted next season and will make good sized corms, therefore it is wise to save the largest for future planting.

FERTILIZER
Prepare the beds well in advance of planting time. Incorporate as much vegetable matter and compost as possible. Old animal manure may be used as long as it is at least 2 years old. A light application of super phosphate, or complete D which is known as 8: 4 :8 can be used in the soil preparation.

Do not place fertilizers in planting trenches or directly under corms. During the plant's growing time, give the gladiolus 2 applications of complete D with added sulphate of potash. We suggest 1 part to application at the 3rd. leaf stage and the second at the 6th. It is essential that you water the fertilizer in well.

REMEMBER indigestion is more serious than hunger in growing gladiolus.

PESTS

Thrips are gladiolus major pests. They are easy to control provided insecticides are used at as we have suggested at planting time. SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE, (DISULFOTON) granular will give 10 to 12 weeks protection and to complete the protection it is wise to give another application of the above at the 8th week stage or a complete spray with a reliable systemic insecticide.

NOTE all sprays need a good wetting agent to obtain best results, otherwise the spray will run off the plant and onto the ground with a complete waste of spray and time. Wetting agents aids in the wetting the foliage of the plants and gives good adherence of the spray or chemical on the foliage. Systemic sprays will enter the sap systems of the plants and eliminate the marauding insects. Spray regularly and you will have excellent spikes of flowers.

DISEASES
Provided clean corms are planted at the correct time in soil that has not been contaminated by previous diseased planting there should not be any problems.

Fungi diseases should they occur, can be controlled by using Bravo or Mancozeb Plus. These complaints are in the minority and should not concern most growers. Obviously any diseased plants are best removed and destroyed.