Byzantine gladiolus

Byzantine gladiolus (Gladiolus communis var. byzantinus) should be watered thoroughly and deeply once a week during the blooming season to ensure healthy growth. Make sure to locate the watering directly at the root mass, in order to avoid wetting the foliage. Avoid wetting the foliage, as moisture can encourage fungal growth. During the dormant season, reduce the watering to approximately once every 2 weeks. Decrease the amount of watering during hot, dry periods. Make sure to check the soil for moistness before watering. If the soil is already moist, there is no need to add more water. Use your finger to determine if the top inch of soil is dry before watering. Water your gladiolus plants in the morning to give them time to soak up the moisture before the afternoon and evening temperatures rise.

The Byzantine gladiolus (Gladiolus communis var. byzantinus) typically blooms in late spring through early summer. They prefer bright, full sunlight for 6 to 8 hours a day during this growing period. Sunlight is important for the formation of strong stems, development of healthy leaves, and the growth of their flowers. If your climate is extremely hot, you may need to provide partial shade for your Byzantine gladioli in the afternoon, so they are not exposed to the hottest part of the day.

Byzantine gladiolus (Gladiolus communis var. byzantinus) should be pruned in early fall, as soon as the flowers begin to fade and the leaves begin to yellow. Pruning should be done lightly, removing no more than 1-third of the flower stem. Remove damaged, diseased or dead stems as soon as they appear. Take care to avoid cutting the corms (the bulb-like structures that anchor the plant in the ground) or their root systems. This may weaken the plant, leaving it more vulnerable to attack by disease and pests. To ensure optimal health of the plant, it is also recommended to fertilize the soil before and after pruning.