I love gladioli for their picturesque and noble appearance. And also because light frosts do not harm them. Marigolds and zinnias have already hung their heads, damaged by early frost, and gladioli stand and continue to please with their appearance.
Time for planting gladioli in the suburbs
You can plant a skewer (the second name of this flower) early. In the Moscow region, this is done starting from the end of April, when the earth becomes warm. To extend the flowering period, planting time can be stretched for two weeks.
Blooming gladioli in the suburbs
Gladiolus begin to bloom in July and finish in October. It depends on the variety. Some of them, early ones, need 65-70 days from the date of planting, late ones bloom after 100 days. Dependence also exists on the region: in the south, planting is carried out earlier, respectively, gladioli bloom earlier. For the Moscow region, the usual time for a blossoming plant is August-September.
Growing skewer in the Moscow region
Updating planting material is one of the mandatory rules when growing this crop. Adult bulbs, from which flowering plants will grow, I plant in flower beds. For children, I determine my place where they can develop and grow to large sizes.
Preparing bulbs for planting
How do I prepare:
- a month before planting, I take out the onions from the storage place;
- I clean from scales and examine for diseases. If there are spots or traces of rot, I throw out such planting material;
- I put the selected bulbs in a bright place so that they germinate;
- when more than one sprout appears, I leave only the largest one, break off the small ones;
- before landing, I process "Fitosporin";
- I dry the onions for a couple of days.
Place to land
For gladioli, the most suitable place is a sunny area with good drainage. In the shade, they will not fully bloom, they may not bloom at all.
Suitable soil for skewers is slightly acidic. I fix strongly acidified with dolomite flour or chalk.
I add sand and peat to heavy soil so that the earth is loose.
To prevent diseases, I annually change the place of planting of gladioli. Good predecessors for this crop are vegetables.
When digging the soil for planting, I add potassium chloride and superphosphate to it.
Landing
I usually plant a lot of gladioli, I prefer to do it in a checkerboard pattern. Can be planted in rows. I maintain a distance of 10-15 cm. I place the bulb at a depth equal to three of its diameters.
Bouquet planting looks interesting when the bulbs are placed around the circumference of the hole. A support is installed in the center, and during flowering, the plants are tied to it.
I pour water into the prepared holes. When it is absorbed, I plant onions and sprinkle with earth.
Care after landing
Proper care will ensure lush flowering and planting health.
Watering
I water the gladiolus not at the very root, but next to it, in order to avoid rotting of the stem. At one time I pour out at least a bucket per 1 sq. m. It is enough to water this way twice a month. In rainy weather, I stop watering.
top dressing
I fertilize plantings in stages:
- during the growth of the stem with nitrogen fertilizing;
- in two weeks I bring in phosphorus supplements;
- when the first buds appear and after flowering, potassium and phosphorus are needed.
Activities after flowering
Gladiolus after flowering I dig and dry. After drying, I cut the stem, leaving a small stump. Dry bulbs are stored in the cellar.
In the Moscow region, gladioli grow and bloom beautifully, subject to all the rules of planting and care.
Does this crop grow in your area?
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