Gladiolus farming best method

Gladiolus is a popular flowering plant among gardeners and florists alike. It is a delicate plant that requires proper care and attention, especially when it comes to planting, fertilization, and harvesting. In this blog post, we will discuss the best methods for gladiolus farming, including planting, fertigation, fertilizer schedule, and harvesting.

Planting Method

The first step in gladiolus farming is planting. The planting method can affect the growth and development of the plant. Here's the best planting method for gladiolus:

Soil Preparation - Gladiolus requires well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. You can test your soil's pH level using a soil test kit, which is available at most gardening centers. If the pH level is too low, you can add lime to raise it. If it's too high, you can add sulfur to lower it. In addition, you should till the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches and remove any rocks, weeds, or other debris.

Bulb Preparation - Before planting, soak the gladiolus bulbs in water for at least four hours to hydrate them. Then, remove any loose or damaged scales.

Planting - Dig holes that are 4 to 6 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches apart. Place the bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing up. Cover the bulb with soil and press gently. Water the soil thoroughly.

Fertigation - Fertigation is the practice of applying fertilizers and nutrients through irrigation systems. It is an efficient method of providing the plant with the necessary nutrients. Here's how to use fertigation in gladiolus farming:

Choose the Right Fertilizer - Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20.

Mix the Fertilizer - Mix the fertilizer in water according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Apply the Fertilizer - Apply the fertilizer solution to the soil around the plants using drip irrigation or sprinkler irrigation. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Fertilizer Schedule

Gladiolus requires regular fertilization throughout the growing season to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms. The best way to fertilize gladiolus is to use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Here's a fertilizer schedule that you can follow for gladiolus:

Before Planting - Mix 1 cup of balanced fertilizer per 10 square feet of soil and work it into the soil.

Two Weeks after Planting - Apply a side dressing of 1 tablespoon of balanced fertilizer per plant.

When Plants Reach 6 Inches in Height - Apply a side dressing of 2 tablespoons of balanced fertilizer per plant.

When Flower Spikes Appear - Apply a side dressing of 3 tablespoons of balanced fertilizer per plant.

It's important not to over-fertilize gladiolus, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms. Also, avoid using fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, as this can result in the production of more foliage and fewer blooms.

Harvesting

Harvesting gladiolus at the right time is crucial to ensure the quality of the blooms. Here's how to harvest gladiolus:

Timing - Gladiolus blooms should be harvested when the first two or three flowers on the spike are open, and the rest of the flowers are still in bud form. This is usually about 60-70 days after planting.

Cutting - Use a sharp, clean knife or scissors to cut the flower spike at an angle. Cut the spike just above the last flower that has opened. Leave as much stem as possible, as this will make it easier to arrange the flowers.

Storing - After cutting, place the spikes in a bucket of water and keep them in a cool, dark place for at least two hours. This will allow the flowers to fully hydrate. Once the flowers are hydrated, you can arrange them in a vase or other container.

In conclusion, gladiolus farming requires proper planting, fertigation, fertilization, and harvesting methods to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can successfully grow and harvest gladiolus plants that are sure to impress. Happy farming!