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Gladiolus growing in a garden
Perennial flower

Gladiolus plant profile

Gladiolus x hortulanus

A perennial flower for full sun.

Last updated .

When to plant

When to plant Gladiolus

Plant gladiolus corms in spring after the danger of frost is past (Iowa State: early to mid-May in Iowa). Make successive plantings every two weeks for continuous bloom. In cold zones the corms are dug and stored over winter; hardy varieties can overwinter with a layer of mulch (NC State).

The calendar shows this cited seasonal window as an approximate band. It does not convert the season into frost-adjusted dates.

Open Gladiolus in my garden calendar

Shows the source-backed planting season, not frost-adjusted dates.

Growing conditions

Sun
Full sun
Planting depth
3 in
Lifecycle
Perennial
Spacing
6 in apart
Hardiness
Zones 7a to 10bFind my hardiness zone

Common problems

Watch for these

Also watch for: bulb rot, failure to bloom.

Evidence trail

Evidence behind this profile

Original extension and institutional publications behind the planting, care, and safety facts on this page.

  1. How deep should I plant gladiolus bulbs? / When should I plant gladiolus bulbs outdoors?

    Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Yard and Garden. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.

  2. Gladiolus

    NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Supports general reference. Checked 2026-06-18.

  3. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Gladiola (Gladiolus species) entry

    ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Supports pet-safety verdicts for dogs and cats. Checked 2026-07-18.