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Gladioli haven't flowered this year

EustaceEustace Posts: 2,290
in Plants
I planted quite a few (glamorous) gladioli corms this year around May. There is lots of lush green growth and the plants are almost 60-80 cms tall. However, there are no flower spikes yet. Were they planted too late? Or could they turn up blind like the daffs? Where am I going wrong? TIA for your kind replies.
Oxford. The City of Dreaming Spires.
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils (roses). Taking a bit of liberty with Wordsworth :)

Posts

  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    That is late to plant them. I plant mine in March and they flower late August, early September.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • nataliennatalien Posts: 15
    punkdoc said:
    That is late to plant them. I plant mine in March and they flower late August, early September.
    I don't agree with this. Gladiolus usually take about 100 days. I planted mine the first week of June and they're starting to flower now. They will speed up if it's warm. There is no use planting very early as it's not warm enough to get them to break dormancy. Usually you can plant in succession to get a continuous display. 
    If you planted in a very rich soil, maybe this is the reason why they're putting on a lot of lush growth. I'd be patient, they should come.
  • gjautosgjautos Posts: 429
    I guess it depends where you are too. Some of mine started flowering a couple of weeks ago. Some are only just starting to show the flowering stem. Be patient, they still have time to flower.
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    I planted some late and they are just forming flower buds. You can feel a thick bit in the centre of the fan of leaves.
  • EustaceEustace Posts: 2,290
    Thanks everyone for your replies. Yes, I planted them in a newly prepared bed; so it is indeed rich in nutrients. I'll go feel the stems and see whether there are flower stalks emerging.
    Oxford. The City of Dreaming Spires.
    And then my heart with pleasure fills,
    And dances with the daffodils (roses). Taking a bit of liberty with Wordsworth :)

  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    Also depends on the quality of your bulbs and how they were grown prior to you purchasing them.  Did you purchase them from a reputable bulb seller?
    Utah, USA.
  • EustaceEustace Posts: 2,290
    Blue Onion said:
    Also depends on the quality of your bulbs and how they were grown prior to you purchasing them.  Did you purchase them from a reputable bulb seller?

    Mine were purchased from J Parkers and they've usually flowered without fail in previous years.
    Oxford. The City of Dreaming Spires.
    And then my heart with pleasure fills,
    And dances with the daffodils (roses). Taking a bit of liberty with Wordsworth :)

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