Gladiolus 'Alfalfa' Bulbs

Plant Gladiolus 'Alfalfa' bulbs (corms) in early spring, and from mid spring to midsummer, this gladiolus produces tall, elegant flower spikes filled with large, orchid-like purple blooms with dark wine-colored throats, opening from the bottom up of the spike to the top. A mainstay in the floral trade, borne on slender scapes, gladiolas blooms make spectacular summer bouquets. Left in the garden, the sterile flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

A Gladiolus hybrid, also known as sword lilies and glads, Gladiolus 'Alfalfa' has an upright habit of sword-shaped linear leaves, forming clumps of foliage. Gladiolas are retro flowers with a decidedly modern appeal. They add bold vertical structure to the garden and are often used as a dramatic focal point. Shown to best effect when planted in informal groups of 7 or more bulbs, they can be grown in large patio pots or in mixed beds and borders.

Often grown as an annual, Gladiolus 'Alfalfa' prefers full sun and light, organically rich, medium wet, well-drained soil with a mildly acidic to neutral pH, but the plant adapts to a wide range of soils, except heavy clays. Plants should be watered regularly and not allowed to dry out through the flowering period. Deer and rabbit resistant.

Summer-flowering bulbs are tender. Plant in spring after the threat of frost has passed, when soil temperatures have warmed to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant blooms for about two weeks approximately 60 to 90 days after planting. To extend the flowering period through early fall, succession plant every 10 to 14 days from last frost date through early summer. Corms can be dug up before winter, when the leaves turn yellow, and stored indoors over the winter, preferably at temperatures between 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and replanted each spring.