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Bulbous plants do not have to be planted in open ground. They look no less attractive in pots. Planting gladioli as seedlings is a simple task, because through the efforts of breeders, dozens of varieties have been obtained that are distinguished by their unpretentiousness, beauty and tenderness of petals. It will be useful for both beginners and professionals to learn how to carry out the procedure correctly.
When to plant gladioli seedlings
It is impossible to say for sure when to plant gladioli bulbs for seedlings. It all depends on the climate of a particular region and a particular variety. Some gladioli bloom earlier, others later. Scientists also identify mid-late subspecies.
If there is insufficient lighting, the plantings may become sick - the peduncles of the gladioli will begin to break, and along with it the buds
When to plant gladioli seedlings in Siberia and the Urals
Traditionally, gladioli are planted for seedlings in the spring; in Siberia, this is done at the beginning or end of March, if the weather permits. Before work, you should familiarize yourself with the nearest forecast.
Landing dates in the Moscow region
In the Moscow region, prepared bulbs are planted in mid-March. At this time, the air temperature becomes favorable for gladioli. The seedlings take root well at the end of the month.
Planting dates in the southern regions
Residents of the south should not worry about timing. Gladioli quickly adapt to the sun, which appears in early March. Planting is usually carried out during this period.
How to plant gladioli bulbs at home for seedlings
Seedlings can be placed on a windowsill, porch or other place. The main thing is that the gladiolus receives enough heat and light. If the weather worsens, the plantings are moved indoors. In Russia, there may not be enough sunlight, especially in the northern regions. In this case, it is recommended to use phytolamps.
It is important to ensure that surrounding objects do not shade the gladioli
Bulb selection
To increase the growth rate, viable material is used. Deformed specimens bloom later, and sometimes die as early as the next month. When stored in the refrigerator, gladiolus bulbs are given time to warm up and dry.
The raw materials are peeled, as it slows down the appearance of sprouts. Botanists say the husks can promote weed growth. Therefore, they get rid of it immediately. Then they move on to an external examination - select large or medium-sized bulbs without obvious signs of disease: spots, growths, wounds.
Preparing bulbs for planting
You can plant gladioli seedlings indoors or outdoors. It depends on the gardener's preferences.Even careful selection of raw materials does not guarantee against infectious disease. Therefore, they are treated with disinfectants.
Before planting, you can treat gladioli with Maxim or Fundazol
Samples are placed in a plastic or glass container, which is filled with water. A few drops of potassium permanganate are added to it (the solution should be light pink). Soak for 30 minutes. As time increases, the bulbs may develop burns.
After soaking, the plant is sent for drying. The second stage is acid treatment. Low concentration boric acid is used. 0.2% will be enough. Stand for 50 hours. After this, the gladioli are dried again, simultaneously treated with charcoal powder.
Store in the room until the time is right.
Selection of soil and container
Special attention should be paid to the pot. It can be ceramic, plastic, metal or concrete. Gladioli take root in any container. Only volume matters, since gladioli seedlings love space, and this applies even to dwarf plantings.
4, 5, 6 liters per pot will not be enough. The diameter of the container should be more than 28 cm. The minimum depth is 40 cm. The roots of gladioli grow quickly, so the larger the pot, the better.
If the pot does not have a drainage system, make the holes yourself. To prevent water from spilling on the floor, place additional dishes under the container.
In order not to deform gladioli seedlings when planting closely, use pegs or an openwork mesh
Gladioli seedlings should be planted in loose soil. Root problems will be rare. You can use store-bought substrate or prepare the soil yourself. For the latter, a fertile lump of earth is chosen. River sand is added to it, which is first washed under the tap.
The soil should fill the pot at least 30 cm so that the roots are comfortable. It is treated in boiling water with the addition of two drops of potassium permanganate. This will destroy bacteria, remains of fungal spores, and insect larvae. Then wood ash, a source of nutrients, is added.
When grown in open ground, the planting site is pre-watered with garlic tincture. To prepare, chop 50 g of vegetable slices and leave in a warm bucket of water. Before processing, the liquid is passed through gauze. Copper sulfate is used as an additional measure.
Landing technology
When planting gladioli, the following rule is followed: the depth of the hole should be three times the length of the bulb. This will give the roots more freedom to grow. The soil is moistened and mineral and organic fertilizers are applied.
The onion is placed exactly in the center, bottom into the hole. The depth of the soil affects the number and size of buds. But you shouldn’t overdo it either, otherwise the seedlings will quickly cool. Planting is carried out to a depth of no more than 15 cm.
When planting in heavy soil, the depth is made a little less so that it is easier for the seedlings to hatch
If gladioli are in the same container, a distance of 30 cm is maintained between them. With such planting, the crop will not compete.The material is lightly sprinkled with soil and moistened with warm water.
Further care
After planting, gladioli seedlings need care; the gardener must regularly water and feed the lush flower. In terms of humidity, the plant can be called demanding. The owner will have to balance between dryness and excessive moisture.
Flooding the seedlings will quickly destroy them. The roots will rot and the leaves will wither. You should also not allow the top layer of soil to dry out, as this will affect the decorative effect. The frequency of watering is determined in accordance with external conditions: air humidity, temperature, nature of lighting.
If the pot is in the sun, moisten it more often - three times every seven days. When the room is cool and humid, reduce watering to 1-2 times a week.
Plantings need fertilizer; timely fertilizing will increase the splendor of flowering and make the seedlings more fragrant. Botanists recommend applying nutrients in a comprehensive manner - at the roots and on the shoots.
To propagate the plantings, after flowering, cut off the flower stalks, dry them in the room and wrap them in newspaper until the next season.
There is no need to fertilize gladioli immediately after planting, since the soil contains enough nutrients for growth. Their excess, on the contrary, can be destructive - attract insects and fungi. Therefore, the crop is fed when 3-4 leaves appear on the seedlings. The second additive is added when 6-7 leaves are formed. Fertilize the third time when the flower shows its peduncle.
If the pot is kept indoors, pests will rarely bother it. However, aphids and thrips can fly into windows and doors, leave behind larvae and fly away. Insects are very small, so they are difficult to see with the naked eye. They suck out the plant sap from gladioli seedlings, and then begin to multiply.
Insecticides will help destroy pests. Since the seedlings are in the room, a small dose is enough. Folk remedies will be safer. For example, you can sprinkle gladioli with tobacco dust or treat the leaves with a soap solution.
If seedlings grow outdoors, they need to be protected from slugs. They eat all parts of the plant, which is why the plant quickly fades. The pest multiplies wherever there are weeds. A good preventative measure would be weeding and removing fallen vegetation.
You can plant different subspecies of gladioli in one container - the composition will be bright and memorable
A well-known pest control measure is salt. Botanists advise not to overdo it with processing in order to prevent salinization of the area. You can use mustard powder - the effect is the same. If the substance comes into contact with the skin of slugs, it causes burns. Adults do not risk moving to such places.
Conclusion
Planting gladioli for seedlings is similar to all bulbous plants. Growing ornamental crops at home is gaining popularity. The snow outside has not yet melted, but a lush bouquet will already appear in the room. Gladioli need regular watering; fertilizing is applied during the growing season and budding.
