Propagation by bulbs
Since only very few gladiolus species are hardy, you have to dig up the bulbous plants in autumn to overwinter them indoors. On this occasion, carefully remove the tiny daughter onions from the mother onion and store them separately from the large onions in the winter quarters.
also read
- Which gladioli are allowed to hibernate outside?
- Which location do gladioli prefer?
- How are gladioli pruned before wintering?
In spring, plant all the bulbs in the garden so that the bulbs can continue to grow. The small tubers are not yet inserted as deeply as the mother onions. Dig this only about four inches deep. Since it is not always easy to find the little onions again in autumn, you can put them in boxes or lattice trays that are buried in the ground.
However, the small gladioli only bloom in this way after two to three years. So some patience is required.
Propagation by seeds
Like many onion plants, gladioli can also be propagated by seeds. However, the offspring is more tedious and somewhat more difficult. Since some gladiolus varieties are hardly available in stores, this propagation is still worthwhile.
Extraction of the seeds
You can easily obtain the seeds yourself by not removing what has withered immediately. Let the seed pod mature completely and then cut it off.
When sowing, proceed as follows:
- Since gladioli are sensitive to frost, sow them in a planter.
- Sow seeds widely and cover with a thin layer of soil.
- Moisten well with a sprayer, making sure that the small seeds are not washed away.
- Put a transparent plastic bag over the vessel to create a warm and humid climate.
- Ventilate daily to prevent mold and rot.
Gladioli do not always germinate well, and in some cases efforts are even in vain. If the seeds germinate, however, you can count on beautiful and healthy plants after two to three years.
Tips
Alternatively, you can continue to care for the gladiolus bulbs in the pot. So you can grow several generations of gladioli and always know what age the offspring are and when you can expect the first flowers.
