Cultivation of Gladiolus

Introduction: Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp.), belonging to the family Iridaceae, is a popular bulbous flowering plant cultivated for its attractive spikes. It is widely grown for both cut flowers and garden decoration.

Botanical Information

• Botanical Name: Gladiolus spp.
• Family: Iridaceae
• Origin: Africa and Asia Minor
• Chromosome Number:
  • Diploid: 2n = 30
  • Tetraploid: 2n = 60

Climate and Soil Requirements

Climate

• Optimum temperature: 16–30°C
• Requires full sunlight
• Performs best under long day conditions (12–14 hours photoperiod)

Soil

• Prefers loamy to sandy loam soils
• Well-drained, fertile soils enhance growth and flower quality

Important Varieties

• Growth Habits: Trailing, climbing, and erect species
• Major Cultivated Species:
  • Jasminum sambac
  • Jasminum grandiflorum
  • Jasminum auriculatum

• Popular Varieties:
  • Arka Amar, White Prosperity, Arka Naveen, Arka Kesar, Darshan, Dhiraj, Acc no-7, Arka Gold, Kajol, Shubangini, American Beauty, Gundumalli, Motia, Virupakshi, Sujimalli, Madanabanam, Ramabanam, Single Mogra, Double Mogra, Iruvatchi, Ramanathapuram Local

Propagation

• Propagated through corms (3–4 cm diameter preferred)
• Corms required per acre: 64,000
• Layering Method: Simple and compound layering (June–July to October–November); ready in 90–120 days
• Seed Germination Time: 15–20 days
• Crop Duration: 7 months
• Dormancy Breaking: Ethylene Chlorohydrin is used

Planting

• Bed Size: 6 × 2 meters
• Spacing:
  • 40 × 25 cm → 88,888 plants/ha
  • 25 × 25 cm → 160,000 plants/ha
• Planting Season:
  • October in plains
  • March–April in hills
• Staggered planting every 15 days ensures continuous harvest

Manures and Fertilizers

• FYM: 8–10 tons/acre as basal dose
• Fertilizer Dose (per acre):
  • Nitrogen: 15–20 kg (use Ammonium Nitrate)
  • Phosphorus (P₂O₅): 30–35 kg
  • Potassium (K₂O): 30–35 kg

Cultural Operations

• Staking: Essential for tall varieties
• Hilling: Crucial operation for supporting plant base
• Scoring: Common practice to enhance flowering
• Mulching: Use organic/plastic mulch (50 microns) to conserve moisture and control weeds
• Earthing Up: Recommended after 45 days of planting

Flowering and Harvesting

• Flowering Time: Starts in March–April
• Time to Flowering: 70–110 days after planting
• Harvesting Stage:
  • For distant markets: when 1–2 buds show color
  • For local markets: when 1–2 lower florets are open
• Leave 4 leaves on the plant to promote corm development

Post-Harvest Handling

• Place cut spikes in cool water and pre-cool for 2–3 hours
• Store spikes upright to prevent geotropic bending
• Pulsing Solution: 300–600 ppm 8-HQC + 4% Sucrose to extend vase life

Yield: Average yield: 5 tons/ha

Corm Harvesting and Storage

• 50–60 days after flower harvest, leaves yellow and dry
• Stop irrigation and dig out corms with cormels
• Treatment: Bavistin @ 1 g/litre
• Storage Conditions: 4–5°C temperature and 75% relative humidity

Insect Pest Management

Disease Management