The ‘Boone Gladiolus’ is a specific cultivar known for its striking appearance and suitability as a cut flower. Gladiolus, often called ‘glads’ or ‘sword lilies’, are recognized for their tall, dramatic flower spikes that bring a vibrant touch to any garden. These plants grow from corms, producing impressive flower stalks. Their elegant form and range of colors make them a popular choice for adding a bold, vertical element to garden beds and for creating stunning floral arrangements.
Planting and Growing Boone Gladiolus
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Boone Gladiolus thrives in full sun, ideally six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. While they tolerate some partial shade, insufficient sun can lead to weaker stems and fewer blooms. The best soil is well-draining, moderately fertile, and rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). For heavy clay soil, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and structure.
Planting Corms
Plant gladiolus corms in spring after the last frost, when soil temperature consistently reaches at least 55°F (13°C). For large blooms, choose corms 1¼ inches or larger in diameter. Plant corms pointed end up, 4 to 6 inches deep, and space them 6 to 8 inches apart. To ensure continuous summer blooms, plant corms in succession every 10 to 14 days from the last frost until early summer. This staggered approach extends the flowering period, as each corm typically blooms for about two weeks.
Ongoing Care for Boone Gladiolus
Watering
Gladiolus plants require consistent moisture throughout their growing season, typically about one inch of water per week, especially during dry periods and blooming. Deep watering encourages strong root development. Water in the early morning to allow moisture to penetrate before intense sun. Avoid overwatering, as saturated soil can lead to corm rot.
Fertilizing
Gladiolus benefit from regular fertilization to support vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Incorporate a balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting. Once shoots reach about 6 inches, apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10), and again when flower buds form. Some gardeners suggest a fertilizer lower in nitrogen, such as a 5-10-5, to encourage blooms rather than excessive foliage. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Staking
Tall gladiolus varieties, including Boone, often require support to prevent flower stalks from bending or toppling, especially in windy conditions or heavy rains. Install stakes or other support structures early in the growing season, ideally when shoots are small, to avoid disturbing roots later. Bamboo canes or slender stakes placed near the stem and loosely tied with twine or soft material provide necessary support as the plant grows.
Pest and Disease Management
Gladiolus can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Thrips are a common pest, causing discoloration and deformities in leaves and flowers, appearing as silver streaks or brown edges. Aphids may also cluster on leaves and buds, leading to curled leaves and stunted growth.
Common diseases include corm rot, often from excessive moisture or poorly draining soil, and Fusarium wilt, which causes yellowing leaves and wilting. Regular inspection aids early detection. Preventative measures like good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and removing plant debris help deter issues.
Winter Care and Storage
Lifting Corms
In regions with colder winters (USDA Hardiness Zones 7 and below), gladiolus corms need to be lifted and stored indoors to protect them from freezing. This typically occurs in autumn, after foliage yellows or the first light frost, but before a hard freeze. When lifting, use a garden fork or spade to carefully loosen soil around the plant, grasping the top to gently pull the entire plant from the ground, taking care not to bruise the corms.
Cleaning and Curing
After lifting, gently shake off loose soil from the corms; do not wash them. Cut stalks to one to two inches above the corm. Corms then need a curing period to heal minor injuries and prepare for storage. Lay them in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, for two to three weeks. During this time, the old, shriveled mother corm at the base can be twisted off and discarded, and any small cormels can be separated.
Storage
Once cured, store corms in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location where temperatures remain between 35°F and 50°F (2°C to 10°C). Ideal storage containers include mesh bags, paper bags, or old onion sacks, which allow for good air circulation and prevent moisture buildup. You can also layer them in cardboard boxes with newspaper between layers. Proper ventilation and consistent temperature prevent rot and ensure corms remain viable for replanting the following spring.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
When Boone Gladiolus fail to bloom, common reasons include insufficient sunlight, poor soil conditions, or immature/small corms. Corm rot often indicates overwatering or poorly draining soil. Pest damage, particularly from thrips, can also affect plant health. Regular inspection and proper care help manage these issues.