Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 6th March 2025, 10:13 am

Hi @jennyh

Thanks for your comment and it's nice to hear from another Gladioli fan, they always remind me of my nan and I have clump of them here at Garden Ninja HQ which I lift and divide every 5-7 years, so you've come to the right place to ask your question!

Gladiolus or Gladioliu as they are commonly known, are a fantastic addition to any garden, providing tall, elegant flower spikes that add drama and colour to summer borders. Not only were they Dame Edna's favourite plant, but they always remind me of gardens in the 1970s as an exotic looking plant, Jenny!

While many gardeners grow them from corms each year, you can propagate new plants for free by collecting and growing their corm bullets, which is what you have discovered in the tiny bulbs stuck to the original corm, so well done, your Gladioli is propagating to give you more plants for free!

This is a simple and rewarding method that ensures a continuous supply of gladioli for seasons to come, so let me explain how to propagate Gladioli from these small bulblets.

What Are Gladiolus Corm Bulblets?

Corm bulblets (also known as cormlets) are small, pea-sized offshoots that develop around the base of the parent corm. These baby corms store energy and, with a little patience, can be grown into full-sized flowering plants.

While they won’t flower in their first year, properly cared-for corm bulblets will develop into mature, blooming gladioli within two to three growing seasons.

How to Collect Gladiolus Corm Bulblets

1.Lift the Parent Corms – In autumn, once the foliage has yellowed and died back, carefully dig up the gladiolus corms using a garden fork. Shake off excess soil but do not wash them as this can encourage rot.

2.Locate the Bulblets – Around the base of the corm, you will find small, firm bulblets attached to the parent. These vary in size, with larger ones developing faster.

3.Separate the Bulblets – Gently twist or pull the bulblets away from the main corm. Only keep the firm, healthy ones – discard any that are soft or shriveled.

How to Store Corm Bulblets Over Winter

Like mature gladiolus corms, bulblets need to be dried and stored correctly to survive the winter.

• Spread them out in a cool, dry, and airy location for a few weeks to cure.
• Once dried, store them in paper bags or breathable containers in a frost-free place, ideally between 5-10°C.
• Label them so you remember which varieties you have collected!

Planting Gladiolus Bulblets in Spring

1.Prepare the Soil – Gladiolus prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil in a sunny position. Adding compost or well-rotted manure improves soil structure and fertility.

2. Plant at the Right Depth – In early spring, plant the bulblets about 5cm (2 inches) deep and 5-10cm (2-4 inches) apart. Smaller bulblets can be planted closer together in nursery beds and later moved once they mature.

3. Water and Mulch – Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Applying a light mulch will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

4. Feed Regularly – Using a high-potassium fertilizer (such as tomato feed) will encourage strong growth.

https://youtu.be/xUaj1GFaGFU

How Long Until They Flower?

In their first year, gladiolus bulblets will produce leaves but no flowers. This is completely normal, as they need time to grow into full-sized corms. By the second or third year, they will have matured enough to send up flower spikes.

For faster results, select larger bulblets when propagating, as they establish more quickly than smaller ones.

By following these steps, you can multiply your gladiolus stock for free and fill your garden with even more vibrant blooms! Have you tried propagating gladiolus from corm bulblets? Let me know your experiences in the comments!

I hope that helps. Let us know how you get on!

Lee Garden Ninja