Description
Introduction to Gladiolus ‘Jester’
Gladioli (Gladiolus x hybrid), also known as Sword Lilies, are cormous flowering perennials belonging to the Iridaceae or iris family. The genus Gladiolus comprises around 180 species distributed across Europe, Western Asia, and South Africa. The name “sword lilies” comes from their foliage, which can range from sword-shaped to grassy, depending on the variety. The tall flower spikes bear funnel-shaped flowers in a wide array of colours, with the blooms opening sequentially from the bottom of the stem upward.
Gladioli create a stunning display, whether arranged in a vase at home or blooming in the garden. This variety’s vibrant yellow blooms with flashes of red markings are sure to delight every gardener, flowering from spring in warmer regions and continuing throughout summer in cooler temperate areas.
Growing Conditions
Gladioli, known for their vibrant blooms and striking height, can be successfully cultivated across various Australian states due to their adaptability to different climates. They flourish best in temperate to warm regions with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. Gladioli can grow in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory, thriving particularly well in the temperate and coastal regions of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.
Gladioli thrive in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow well and produce vibrant flowers. They benefit from protection against wind, so be sure to stake them at planting time if you live in a windy area. In cooler climates, full sun is essential for robust growth and blooming. In subtropical regions, giving them partial shade during the hottest part of the day can help prevent heat stress. With the right sunlight, your gladioli will be healthy and bursting with beautiful blooms.
Planting Schedule
In warmer, frost-free climates like Queensland’s cooler southeastern regions, gladioli bulbs should be planted from winter to early spring or late summer to avoid extreme heat, with blooms expected approximately 100 days after planting. In cooler climates such as New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania, it’s best to plant them in early spring after the danger of frost has passed, ensuring full sun and well-draining soil. In the Northern Territory, growing gladioli is more challenging due to the tropical climate, but planting during the cooler dry season from May to July, with some shade and consistent watering, can yield success. The Australian Capital Territory’s temperate climate is also suitable, with early spring to early summer being the optimal planting period.
For a staggered display of colour in regions like New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory, plant gladioli bulbs every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Continue planting every two weeks until early summer to extend the blooming period well into late summer and early autumn. In Queensland, you can plant until late summer to achieve a prolonged blooming period. In the Northern Territory and the northern parts of Western Australia, plant gladioli between May and July to avoid the extreme heat and wet conditions of the later summer months. For the cooler, temperate regions of Western Australia, such as the southwestern part, follow similar planting guidelines as the other temperate regions. This staggered planting ensures that as some gladioli finish blooming, others are just beginning, providing continuous flowers throughout the warmer months.
Soil Preparation
Gladioli can be grown in most soils but prefers well-draining light soil that is also slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0) and benefits from added compost or organic matter. This helps lighten heavy soils, ensuring roots can grow freely. Before planting, dig in a little blood and bone, well-broken-down cow manure, or a complete fertiliser.
Planting and Care Tips
Plant the bulbs in full sun, spacing them 8-15 cm apart and 10-15 cm deep, with the flat side facing down. Add stakes for support if needed, and water thoroughly after planting.
To ensure optimal blooming of gladioli, fertilise them at specific stages of their growth. Begin by applying a complete fertiliser (such as a 10-10-10 or 5-10-10) to the soil when planting the bulbs. Once the shoots emerge, apply a balanced fertiliser as a top dressing. Continue to fertilise with a balanced fertiliser every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season. After flowering, give a final feed to help strengthen the bulbs for the next season. Always follow the specific instructions on the fertiliser package for the correct amounts to use.
In summer, keep the soil consistently moist by thoroughly watering once a week with at least 2.5 cm of water, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
If planting in pots, use a high-quality potting mix and keep them well-watered throughout the summer. The flowers will begin to open from the bottom of the stem upward. Additionally, monitor for pests such as aphids and thrips.
Dividing and Storing Gladioli Bulbs
Gladioli can be left undisturbed in the ground for many years, but it is beneficial for their growth to be divided every few years. Dividing prevents overcrowding, improves bloom quality, and reduces disease and pest issues, while also allowing for propagation. The best time to divide is after the foliage has died back but before the first frost (late summer to autumn), although specific timing can vary due to local climate. Carefully dig up the corms, brush off the soil, and separate the main corm from the cormlets. Discard any old, shrivelled, or diseased corms. If not replanting immediately, dry the bulbs and store them in a cool, dark, dry, and airy place, dusting them with insecticide to prevent thrips. Check stored bulbs occasionally during winter, maintaining storage conditions between 2-7°C with good air circulation. Following these steps ensures gladioli thrive and produce beautiful blooms throughout the growing season. Adjusting the timing based on your local climate will help ensure the best results for your gladioli. If replanting, place the corms 8-15 cm apart and 10-15 cm deep in prepared soil, and label different varieties if necessary.
If wet conditions are a concern over winter, gladioli bulbs can be removed from the ground anytime between April and June, depending on your local climate. Generally, wait until 4-6 weeks after the plants have finished flowering or when the leaves have turned yellow and begun to die back. This ensures that the bulbs have stored enough energy for the next growing season. After lifting, dry the bulbs and store them in a cool, dark, dry, and airy place, dusting them with insecticide to prevent thrips, just as you would when dividing gladioli. These bulbs can be placed inside cardboard boxes with layers of newspaper or in breathable paper bags stored in an unheated garage, or even inside a fridge (usually in the vegetable drawer). Check stored bulbs occasionally during winter, maintaining storage conditions between 2-7°C with good air circulation. Following these steps ensures gladioli thrive and produce beautiful blooms throughout the growing season. Adjusting the timing based on your local climate will help ensure the best results for your gladioli.
Pest Management
Aphids and thrips are the main problems for gladioli. If you notice thrip damage, such as streaking of leaves or flower damage, dust the plants with an insecticide. However, if you prefer natural pest control methods, try a mix of good gardening habits and natural remedies. Plant gladioli with enough space for air to flow, rotate where you plant them each year, and clean up dead leaves and debris to keep pests away. Companion plants like marigolds, garlic, and chives can help repel pests, and beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, along with native birds, can eat many garden pests. Regularly check your plants and pick off any pests you see. Use sprays made from neem oil or a simple mix of dish soap and water to deter pests. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the plants to keep slugs and caterpillars away, and use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to target caterpillars specifically. Spraying essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, or eucalyptus mixed with water can also help keep pests at bay. Always read the packaging of any product to ensure it is suitable for your environment and household, especially if you have children and pets. These natural methods will help you keep your gladioli healthy and pest-free without using chemicals in the Australian climate.
Note that extreme heat can cause symptoms similar to thrip damage on flowers.
Summary: Growing Gladioli ‘Jester’
In conclusion, Gladioli ‘Jester’ is a vibrant and eye-catching addition to any garden, celebrated for its bright yellow blooms with striking red markings. These flowers thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, making them ideal for a variety of climates, particularly temperate to warm regions. With proper planting and care, ‘Jester’ gladioli will produce a dazzling display of blooms approximately 100 days after planting. Perfect for garden borders and cut flower arrangements, these gladioli add a touch of cheerfulness and dynamic colour to any landscape. With regular watering and protection from strong winds, these stunning flowers will flourish, providing a spectacular and lively backdrop throughout the warmer months.
Tips: To pick flowers, run a knife down the stem and twist across at the desired length. This method ensures that the foliage remains, allowing the bulb to continue growing. For a long vase life, pick flowers as the first floret opens.
Caution: Harmful if eaten; may cause skin irritation.
Supplied as a pack of three dormant bulbs.
Important Reminder: While we strive to realistically represent our products, various factors such as climatic conditions, natural variation, or manufacturing changes may affect the precise appearance of each variety. Typically, images depict mature specimens, while the supplied stock is in its dormant state and will develop over time. The images are intended as a guide only. Please note that packs may contain bulbs of the same colour and variety.