Gladiolus

A corm. A swollen, solid stem base. No layers inside, just starchy tissue, with a papery tunic and buds on top.

Whole

Cut open

Store	Corm. Cut it in half: it is solid all the way through.
Depth	10-15 cm to the base of the corm
Spacing	10-15 cm apart
When	Plant in batches from just before the last frost. Plant in batches: 2 weeks before to 6 weeks after your last spring frost. Work out your dates.
Pets	Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses (ASPCA)

About Gladiolus

A flattened corm that is replaced each year by a new one on top of the old. Plant in batches for a long cutting season.

Depth and spacing

Typical range: 10-15 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart. A general rule is to plant at two to three times the height of the corm; check the label for your variety. The drawing is to scale for 12.5 cm deep and 12.5 cm apart (the size of the organ is illustrative); try your own measurements.

When to plant

Plant in batches from just before the last frost. Plant in batches: 2 weeks before to 6 weeks after your last spring frost. These are rules of thumb for the northern hemisphere. Enter your frost dates for real dates.

Dividing and propagating

Small cormlets form at the base of the new corm; save and replant them, but flowering takes two or three years.

Lifting and storing

Lift after the first frost has blackened the foliage, cure in a dry airy place for a few weeks, remove the old corm and store cool and dry in net bags.

Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses

The ASPCA lists Gladiolus species as: toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses. Signs: Salivation, vomiting, drooling,lethargy, diarrhea. Highest concentration in corms (bulbs). If your pet has chewed any part, call your vet or an animal poison helpline. ASPCA entry.