Gladiolus 2020

[Robert]

Gladiolus oppositifolius

Does not self - needs cross pollination. Fortunately, I have a good population of genetically differing plants. 

[ashley]

That's a very nice one Robert.  Likewise here I have several clones of G. ecklonii so may get seed set.

[fermi de Sousa]

That's a very nice one Robert.  Likewise here I have several clones of G. ecklonii so may get seed set.

That's a stunner, Ashley!

Gladiolus tristis in flower today
cheers
fermi

[fermi de Sousa]

Gladiolus virescens ssp virescens originally from Greg Boldiston at Longinomus Nursery
cheers
fermi

[Steve Garvie]

Very nice Fermi!

[Diane Whitehead]

I used to look for wildflowers along the Pacific coast, take photos and then go back two months later to collect seeds.  This would be for plants like Iris innominata, Trillium rivale, various lilies.  Of course, different plants can take much longer than two months - look how long rhododendron seeds take.

How long does it take for gladiolus seed to form?  I'm wondering when I can expect to buy seeds from Silverhill if I know which month a plant flowers in the wild.

[Carolyn]

Hi Diane,
I have a couple of gladiolus species which flower in June and have seed heads now, so around 3 months. Of course, it might be faster in South Africa than in cool, damp Scotland!

[fermi de Sousa]

I forgot to post pics here of Gladiolus meliusculus which flowered well this year from corms I originally got from Greg Boldiston in Lancefield. Today the first flowers opened on one grown from seed from NZAGS 2008 (sown in 2009) - last pic
cheers
fermi

[fermi de Sousa]

A better look at the new seedling of Gladiolus meliusculus in flower
cheers
fermi

[fermi de Sousa]

Gladiolus miniatus (NZAGS2011) from a fortnight ago
cheers
fermi

[Véronique Macrelle]

how do you thicken your Gladiolus?
 I have seedlings, but it is very difficult to make them grow.
ex my Gladiolus watermeyeri has germinated for 4 years, and this year I still only have a single thread, 1mm thick!
 is it necessary
-  give them a deep pot?
 - give them richer soil or fertilizer?

 - or move to the southern hemisphere !!! 

 I tell myself that maybe they just lack the sun at home ...

[fermi de Sousa]

how do you thicken your Gladiolus? I have seedlings, but it is very difficult to make them grow.
ex my Gladiolus watermeyeri has germinated for 4 years, and this year I still only have a single thread, 1mm thick!
 is it necessary
-  give them a deep pot?
 - give them richer soil or fertilizer?
 - or move to the southern hemisphere !!! 
 I tell myself that maybe they just lack the sun at home ...

Hi Véronique,
I think you need to ask someone like Ashley or Arnold who have the experience of growing them in your hemisphere.
Here the climate is similar to where they come from: they get a wet winter and a dry summer. I use a fast-draining mix and water the pots with weak fertilizer solution about once a week. Once the leaves start to yellow I withhold water, but try to keep them growing as long as possible during the spring - if they ever get a dry period they tend to start to die down.
Good luck,
cheers
fermi

[ArnoldT]

Hi Véronique

I grow my Gladiolus as I do all other SA bulbs.  Ideal  temps at 42 F.

I have added some supplemental light with a LED long tube light fixture which is on 6-8 hours during daylight hours.

It has made a difference in my opinion.

In the northern latitudes we just don't get enough light at this time of year to have these plants grow right.

I have started feeding with a African Violet liquid feed at 50% recommended strength once per week.

I've attached two tables illustrating the difference in the amount of sunlight reaching the ground in South Africa and my location in New Jersey, USA. 

I couldn't seem to save in a horizontal plane.

Insolation is a measure of the solar energy reaching the surface.

The difference is considerable.  If you can let me know your location in France.

[ArnoldT]

Veronique

Found a city near you location. 

[Véronique Macrelle]

I may not put enough fertilizer so..

I live in the north of France, not far from Lille, is that what you are asking me, Arnold ? I don't understand the word 'fund' and neither does my translator.