Start of growing season in Gladiolus italicus and G. illyricus

[JPB]

I have some bulbs/seeds of these plants. I suppose, that in their natural habitat (southern Europe), they will germinate/resume growth somewhere in the spring or winter. But I'm in Holland so what to do? Sow the seeds and water the bulbs in september and grow them under artificial light and keep them warm during winter? Or keep them dry-stored untill early spring? What would you suggest?

Thanks,
Hans

[Anthony Darby]

I would sow/plant now Hans. I have had success doing this. As for artificial light. Not tried that ever. I keep them in a frost-free greenhouse.

[JPB]

Thanks, Anthony.

[JPB]

One more question: Would you advise to put the plants/seeds in my living room (15C-20C) or in my greenhouse (10C-15C)?

Hans

[Anthony Darby]

I planted seeds of both species outside in pots and the seedlings appeared in the spring, but the greenhouse would be OK.

[JPB]

Seeds are already germinating! Thanks Anthony!

Hans

[dominique]

Hans
Autumn is the best. They will not be able to wait well spring. In Burgundy I have them in a cold frame.
Dom

[Véronique Macrelle]

 About Gladiolus Italicus:

 this post is very old, but I am surprised that you consider Gladiolus italicus as little hardyness.
 if we look at ancient French flora, it was present even in the north of France (zone 7)

I have a Gladiolus italicus in my garden outside without any protection for 15 years. it comes from a ditch edge of my mother-in-law's house.
  it has already withstood -17 ° C and a significant flood in winter for more than 3 weeks (20 cm of water above the earth). shoots appear early in January, but do not fear frost.

this is not the case of the populations of the South? in this case we might think that my Glaieul italicus comes from a relict population of the north?

 at home, he likes heavy clay and fresh, almost wet soil. it burrows deeply and is better in the ground than in pots.
 

[Karaba]

Salut Véronique 

this is not the case of the populations of the South? in this case we might think that my Glaieul italicus comes from a relict population of the north?

Gladiolus italicus is called an archeophyte (a plant introduced before 1500) It is supposed to came with wheat when humans come from middle east and start agriculture (that's why it is called Glaïeul des moissons). There is no relict population in the north of France, only relict population escaped from garden : http://siflore.fcbn.fr/?cd_ref=100275&r=metro
Gladiolus italicus is hardy at zone 7-8 as Gladiolus dubius (true name of the western mediterranean species usually called Gladilus illyricus)

[Yann]

never found Gladiolus in the wild in my area, too cold/wet and soil are very differents from southern regions.