How can I prepare my gladiolas for winter so they grow again?

Barbara ann
by Barbara ann

I planted 65 gladiola bulbs in a raised bed on the south side of the house that gets sun all day.every bulb produced beautiful long lasting blooms.now that it is fall what do I do with the leaves & the bulbs (I want to leave them in the ground as I do with all my other bulbs).but what do I do to ensure they bloom again next year.I am located in Southern Maine.

  7 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Oct 11, 2019

    Nothing, just let die back naturally.

  • William William on Oct 11, 2019

    Exactly. Do nothing. Let them die back. Remove the leaves in the spring when new growth can be seen.

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Oct 11, 2019

    Hi Barbara, I cut all of my bulbs down to about two inches this time of the year then make sure they're well covered in leaves. This year I added some extra rich dirt over top too so they get some good food when spring hits. I find that works particularly well with my peonies, it takes them a little longer to come up but it ensures they don't come up too early.

  • Deb K Deb K on Oct 11, 2019

    Hi Barbara Ann, just leave them for the winter, clean them up a bit in the spring by trimming off any dead stuff, follow this to ensure beautiful blooms next summer, Gladiolus prefer well-prepared garden soils with good drainage. As soon as plants are 6 to 8 inches tall, apply fertilizer, such as 13-13-13, at the rate of 3 to 4 pounds per 100 square feet. Organic fertilizer sources, such as cottonseed meal, also work well.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Oct 15, 2019

    I cut them back and cover with some mulched leafs.

  • Pat Pat on Oct 16, 2019

    Here in the midwest with our cold winters, we dig the Glad bulbs up, keep them in a cool place and replant them in the spring.

  • Barbara ann Barbara ann on Oct 16, 2019

    thanks for the info, Pat, I know that is what a lot of people here(Maine) do also,but I have had good luck with leaving other bulbs in the ground all winter.but digging them up and replanting them is prohibitive,given my age (71) & physical issues.