Gladiolus is a plant that has tall spikes.It makes a great mid- summer bloom and can add drama to any arrangement.Cutting, vasing, and caring for the stems the right way will ensure that your bouquet stays fresh for a long time.
Step 1: You can harvest gladiolus in the morning when the flowers have opened.
The lower flowers will open first if gladiolus is cut at that point.The flowers will stay fresh longer if this is done.When the air is cool and the plant is hydrated, it is best to cut flowers in the morning.
Step 2: Leave at least 4 leaves on the stem by cutting the stalk at an angle.
The plant will take in more water if the stalks are sliced at a slanted angle.The plant can re bloom next year if the leaves are left on the stem.The cut flower's life span can be shortened by using scissors or a blunt tool.
Step 3: Immediately after cutting, put the cut stems into a container of water.
After cutting the stems, put them in a bucket of water.The container should be filled with enough water to cover the bottom of the stem.You might want to bring a bucket of water with you.
Step 4: To make sure the stem is submerged, fill the heavy vase with 1/3 of the way full.
The weight of the stems can be counteracted by a heavy vase.If possible, use a taller vase to keep the stems upright.The cut flower stem is tall and heavy and can tip over a vase.A tall vase with a weighted bottom is a good option.The stems should stay as vertical as possible if the vase isn't too wide at the top.The weight should be added to the base with gravel or pebbles.To provide some stability, add more water to the vase.
Step 5: The stems should be arranged around the vase.
If it is a tall vase, make sure the stems are not leaning on one side.Put the stem around the vase in a way that resembles numbers on a clock.Pad the space between the gladiolus stems so they stay in place if you are making a multi-flower arrangement.
Step 6: The vase should be placed away from sunlight.
Don't put the gladiolus near an air conditioning unit, fan, heater, stove, or television because wind and heat can cause dehydration of the florets.The health of the other florets can be affected by a dehydrated Floret.If the vase tips over, it will cause damage.
Step 7: The stems should be cut by 1 inch every 2 days.
To keep the spikes and florets fresh, cut 1 inch off the stems at an angle and change the water every 2 days.To slice off the ends of the stem, use a sharp blade.It is important to clip them regularly because they will grow at the base and block the flow of water up the stem.If you notice the ends are slimy or dark green, cut it in half and look for a fresh base.Cut gladiolus can last from 6 to 12 days depending on the health of the plant and how you take care of it.
Step 8: Feed your gladiolus with plant food.
The mixture of sugar, acid, and bleach is used to feed the plants.When you change the water, stir some plant food into it.The feed will give the flower more vitamins and minerals.You can buy cut flower feed at any store with a plant nursery.Half a crushed aspirin pill can be used instead of flower feed.
Step 9: The gladiolus can be deadhead twice a week to improve their appearance.
Take off the scraggly-looking florets after inspecting the stalks twice a week.It will improve the look of the flowers and allow new blooms to grow.The florets will appear limp or discolored.Don't wait until the seed head forms to remove the flower.Take care to remove not just the shriveled petals but also the swollen bit at the base of the dead flower, which connects onto the main flower stem.The seed is formed by this bit.