How to Grow Gladiolus From Seed Pods
- 1). Gather the seeds from your gladiolus in late summer to early fall. The pods will turn brown and begin to split open. Place a paper bag under the pods and cut them from the plants. The seeds can be stored in the bag in a cool, dry location until planting.
- 2). Fill seed trays three quarters full of a good potting mix.
- 3). Place two seeds in each section and lightly cover with additional potting mix.
- 4). Water the seeds with 2 to 3 tbsp. of water, or just enough to moisten the soil. Water the seeds every other day to keep the seeds moist.
- 5). Place the trays in an area that will get bright, indirect light for six to eight hours a day. Temperatures should be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 6). Grow the seedlings inside until approximately a month after the last threat of frost.
- 7). Choose a location in your garden that receives full sunlight at least six hours a day. Prepare the bed by tilling the top 12 inches of soil. Mix in 4 inches of organic compost.
- 8). Dig a hole 4 to 6 inches deep and place the seedlings inside. Refill the hole with native soil. Place each seedling at least 5 inches apart from one another in the garden.
- 9). Add 2 inches of mulch around the base of each plant. This will help the plant hold in moisture and prevent weeds from growing in your beds.
- 10
Water the seedlings two to three times a week with an inch of water. - 11
Install 2 to 4 inches of pine straw in late fall to protect the dormant flowers from the winter cold and freezing temperatures in USDA zones 7 to 9. Dig up the bulbs in areas colder than zone 7 and store them in a plastic mesh bag in the bottom drawer of your refrigerator until spring planting.
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