Gladiolus are one of nature's most magnificent flowers. Commonly called "Glads", they produce large, colorful flowers that grow on tall spikes or stems with sword-shaped leaves. Gladiolus come in a wide range of colors perfect for any and all occasions including green, orange, pink, purple, red, salmon, white, and yellow. Although gorgeous, Gladiolus do need special attention. Following a few simple care and handling tips, Glads are sure to put on quite a show!
Problems & Solutions
Problem:
Ethylene Sensitivity
Solution:
Although the sensitivity to ethylene is low, with some varieties, ethylene exposure has been shown to cause florets not to open, flower fading or translucency. To minimize the risk of the negative effects due to ethylene exposure, Gladiolus can benefit from an ethylene action-inhibitor product such as EthylBloc™* during storage and transportation or from an STS treatment at farm level such as FloraLife® EthylGuard*.
Problem:
Disease Sensitivity
Solution:
Gladiolus are typically resilient to diseases post-harvest. Do not over pack boxes to allow good airflow and avoid temperature fluctuations during shipping to prevent any condensation inside packaging.
Problem:
Leaf Yellowing
Solution:
Prone to leaf yellowing it is recommended to hydrate Gladiolus in FloraLife® Bulb 100* to reduce leaf yellowing.
Problem:
Tip Burn
Solution:
Tip burn is a symptom of fluoride toxicity. Avoid fluorinated and softened water.
Need to Know: Gladiolus Helpful Hints
Properly Dosing and Mixing Flower Food: The Benefits
- Helps blooms fully develop and stalk to open to the top
- Helps Gladiolus stay hydrated and avoid wilting
- Results in longer vase life and better color development
Keep them Fresh!
- It is recommended to pre-treat with an ethylene action-inhibitor product such as EthylBloc™* during storage and transportation or FloraLife® EthylGuard* at farm level then hydrate with FloraLife® Express Clear 100. Gladiolus is susceptible to leaf yellowing and may benefit from hydration in FloraLife® Bulb 100*.
- Recommended flower food solution for storage/transport: FloraLife® Express Clear ULTRA 200.
- Recommended flower food solution for end consumers: FloraLife® Express Universal 300, FloraLife® Universal 300*or FloraLife Crystal Clear®* packets. FloraLife® Bulb 300* can also be used.
- Cooler / Storage temperature should be 34-38°F, 1-3°C.
- Gladiolus can ship dry or wet without issue. Store upright, if possible. The upper part of the flower spikes is negatively gravitropic and tend to bend and deform if stored on their side. Line your boxes with FloraLife® Transport Paper sheets prior to shipping from farms.
Performance
- Average vase life for Gladiolus is 6-10 days.
- Opening speed is slow and steady, flowers begin blooming at the bottom of the spike working their way up to the top. Opening speed will increase with warmer ambient temperature.
- Gladiolus can be mixed with other flowers without any negative effects.
- When processing, avoid spikes with yellow leaves or stems with brown or shriveled florets. Avoid stems in which foliage exhibits tip burn. Choose spikes that have few open florets. Flowers should have 1-5 blooms showing color. Gladiolus can suffer petal and foliage burning due to excessive fluoride, avoid fluorinated water to prevent. Do not over pack boxes or buckets to allow good airflow. If Gladiolus is massed too tightly, individual florets will deteriorate. Gladiolus is susceptible to mildew. If you aren't using FloraLife® Express technology, you'll want to re-cut stems. Gladiolus stem ends are prone to developing a bio-film formation when in water due to bacterial growth. Check solution levels daily. If water levels become low, you should repeat your processing steps replenishing with a freshly made flower food solution.
- Performs well in foam if hydrated properly. If designing in foam use OASIS® Secure Floral Foam so thick stems are secure when designing. Gladiolus can be used as a vertical line flower in arrangements to achieve height making them excellent line flower for larger, showy arrangements. Cut stems at an angle before inserting into foam and check foam saturation daily to keep stems hydrated.
- Use FloraLife® Finishing Touch spray once designs are complete to keep blooms fresh and hydrated.
FIFO
- Follow the FIFO (First in First Out) guidelines for inventory rotation. Adhering to cold chain protocols, for best end consumer vase life experience, Gladiolus should have a maximum of 7 days storage life. If storing wet pack, check water levels occasionally to be sure stems stay hydrated.
Want to learn more? Visit FloraLife.com or contact your local representation for an in-person consultation!
*Product availability depends upon geographical region. Check here for more information.