Preparing Gladiolus Bulbs for Planting in Spring: These Mistakes Many Gardeners Make
First, you need to carry out some preparatory work so that the bulbs take root and start growing.
First, the bulbs should be removed from storage. This should be done a month before planting.
Next, the planting material needs to be cleared of the upper dry scales, and the condition of the bulbs should also be assessed. Healthy seeds should be clean, smooth, without any damage, diseases or pests. There are slightly outlined root tubercles, and also a growth point.
If they look over-dried, then there is a high probability that a pest has appeared. Such bulbs will have to be thrown away.
You will also have to get rid of the material if it has sunken brown spots.
Next, vernalization must be carried out. This will stimulate the activation of growth processes.
The bulbs should be placed with their sprouts facing upwards in a bright place, but without direct sunlight. At the same time, the seed material should not be hot, the temperature should be up to 18 degrees Celsius.
When the green shoot starts to grow, you can proceed to planting. This usually takes from 2 to 4 weeks.
If the bulbs were affected by something and were previously treated, then immediately before planting they must be treated in a solution of one of the fungicides. For half an hour, the planting material should be immersed in any preparation, for example, "Vitaros" or "Maxim Dachnik".
After this, some gardeners prefer to soak them in a growth stimulator solution.
