When to Plant Gladioli?

When to plant gladioli: everything you need to know

The ideal planting time for gladioli

Gladioli are true summer kings among flowers. These colorful blooms grow from corms and are relatively easy to care for, ideal for beginner gardeners. But the right planting time is crucial if you want to enjoy a lush explosion of flowers in summer.

The best time to plant gladioli is from mid-April to the end of May – as soon as the risk of frost has passed. In open ground, it's important that the soil warms up to at least 10 to 12°C. It's best to choose a dry, cloudy day – a day that's too wet can sometimes cause the corms to rot.

Planting gladioli in open ground

Do you have a sunny spot in your garden? Then it's the perfect place for gladioli. Dig a trench about 10 cm deep and place the corms, pointed upwards, about 10 to 15 cm apart. Fill back with soil and water in dry weather. Gladioli grow best in well-drained soil, so avoid areas where water stagnates.

Preferably use airy potting soil with good drainage. Products like perlite can help improve the structure of your soil. This prevents wet feet, which gladioli absolutely do not like.

Planting gladioli in a greenhouse

Want to get a head start on the season? Then you can plant gladioli earlier in a greenhouse. Start planting the corms in large pots or seed trays as early as March. Make sure your greenhouse is well-ventilated and not too humid – a constant temperature between 15 and 20°C is ideal.

From late April or early May, you can plant the young shoots outdoors. Be sure to "harden them off" first by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors over a few days. This will prevent shock from temperature fluctuations.

Good preparation is half the job

Which location to choose?

Gladioli love the sun. They're sun worshippers and prefer a spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. If you place them in the shade, the stems will wilt, which is precisely what we want to avoid. A sheltered spot out of the wind helps produce long, straight flower stems.

For potted flowers, you can choose beautiful decorative pots from our flowerpot collection . Be sure to choose a spacious pot with drainage holes and well-aerated potting soil.

What types of gladioli are there?

There are countless different gladioli, from short varieties to impressive ones that easily grow up to 150 cm tall. Some are delicately flowered with elegant blooms, while others have thick flower spikes in bright shades of red, pink, or purple.

Want to combine them with beautiful houseplants for an extra summery feel? Then check out our Strelitzia or a striking Alocasia Zebrina to enhance that tropical feeling both indoors and outdoors.

What if it rains?

Rain is a bit of a mixed bag when planting gladioli. A gentle, short rain shower just after planting can help kick-start growth. But never plant the corms in wet, heavy soil on a rainy day. There's a high risk of rot, which is obviously undesirable.

A gray, dry day is ideal – this keeps the soil airy, the roots can grow quickly, and you can be sure your gladiolus will get off to a good start.

Combining gladioli with other plants? Great idea!

Gladioli look beautiful in a mixed border alongside other summer bloomers. Combine them with perennials like potted Aglaonema , for example, or place them as a flowering backdrop alongside large-leaved houseplants like Monstera deliciosa .

Also consider their height – taller gladioli are best placed at the back of a border and provide support with a bamboo stick or tying material, especially in windy conditions.

What after flowering?

After flowering, allow the gladiolus leaves to slowly discolor and die back. This allows the corms to store energy for the following year. In the fall, dig them up, let them dry, and store them in a cool, dry, and frost-free place indoors.

This way you can plant them again the following year – which can be done from April to the end of May, just like this year.

Want to learn more about plants that don't require much work?

Gladioli require a bit of initial work, but afterward, you can truly enjoy them. Prefer something even less demanding? There are plenty of easy garden and houseplants like the ZZ plant or the Dracaena – they require minimal care, yet they remain beautiful.

Looking for more plant inspiration? Check out our beginner's selection of easy-to-care-for houseplants.

Summary: When to plant gladioli?

So it is best to plant gladioli:

• In open ground: from mid-April to the end of May
• In greenhouse: from March in pot, later transplant outside
• In a sunny, well-drained spot
• Preferably on a dry, not too cold day

With a little care, good soil, and the right planting time, you'll be enjoying a wealth of flowers in just a few months. Gladioli are not only beautiful in the garden but also fantastic as cut flowers in a summer bouquet. Ready to brighten up your garden? Time to get those corms in the ground!