Home Help & Advice Care & Conditioning: Flower care guides Gladioli

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Gladioli


 

Gladioli are tall, striking fowers with multiple blooms along each stem. They are popular for large arrangements, pedestal designs, funeral tributes and statement displays. 

 

Key Information about Gladioli

Availability: June to October 

Vase life: Approximately 7 to 14 days 

Colour range: White, cream, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, green and mixed tones 

Categories: Miniature or Mini (petite flowers) 50 to 70cm and Large (grandiflora) up to 120cm. 

Family: Iridaceae

Genus: Gladiolus

Fun Fact: Gladioli are also known as sword lilies because of their sword like leaves. 

 

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When Should I Order Gladioli?

We recommend delivery 3-4 days before the event. Gladioli often arrive tight and need time for the lower flowers to open. They should be conditioned upright in tall buckets. 

 

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Step by Step Conditioning Guide

To get the best from your wholesae cut gladioli, please read the care instructions below carefully: 

1. Remove all the packaging 

2. Cut the stems at a 45 degree angle with a sharp knife, scissors or secateurs

3. Fill sterilised buckets with clean fresh water and add flower food (optional) 

4. Place the gladioli into the buckets. Store upright to prevent bending. 

5. Leave overnight to condition before use. Never leave cut flowers in direct sunlight, near a radiator, in a draft or near fruit. Keep the gladioli in a cool environment and always keep out of reach of children. 

 

Gladioli naturally bend towards the light (similar to Tulips and Snapdragons). To prevent this, simply remove the buds at the very tops of the stems. 

 

If you need development of Gladioli to be sped up, you will need to place the flowers in luke warm water and place in a domestic warm, light environment. 

 

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Common Problems & Solutions

Flowers not opening: Allow more time and keep the water clean and fresh. Change regularly. 

Bent stems: Store upright in tall buckets and avoid overcrowding. Flowers naturally bend towards the light so may need a change of location or tip the tops of the stems. 

Damaged lower blooms: Remove any damaged flowers at the base of the flower before use. 

Short vase life: Change the water regularly and avoid heat. 

 

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Who is this Guide for? 

DIY customers 

Florists 

Event Organisers 

Funeral tribute customers 

Flower arrangers 

Anyone purchasing wholesale gladioli 

 

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Common Questions

  1. Are gladioli open on arrival? No, similar to lilies the Gladioli require opening and development when they are delivered to the customer. They usually open from the bottom upwards after conditioning.
  2. How should gladioli be stored? Store them upright in tall or supported bukets of fresh, clean water. Place in a cool, low lit environment for natural development.
  3. How long do gladioli last? Gladioli are great for large displays and installations. They usually last between 7 to 14 days when conditioned and stored correctly.
  4. Can I remove the faded blooms? Yes, remove the faded lower blooms to encourage the other flowers to open and keep the stem looking fresh.
  5. What type of arrangements are Gladioli suited for? Given their height and architecture, they work well in pedestals, large installations, arches, aisle flowers and tall vase arrangements.
  6. What is meant by phototropic flowers? Flowers that have the ability to bend, twist and grow directionally in response to a light source.