25x Large-flowered gladiolus 'Zizanie' red-white

In the spring, plant the Gladioli 'Zizanie' bulbs about 7-10 cm deep and approximately 10-12 cm apart. Prepare a suitable hole and sprinkle the bottom with a layer of sharp sand to allow rainwater to drain well below the bulbs as Gladiolas prefer rich, well drained soil. Improve garden soil by mixing in a garden fertiliser. Sprinkle some lime on the soil during the winter. If the soil is heavy mix in some sharp sand before planting. These large-flowered Gladioli 'Zizanie' like to grow in a warm, sunny area. Gladioli 'Zizanie' make a great combination plant These large-flowered gladioli have striking colours. In the border you will be able to create special combinations. Try placing a group of gladioli next to Cosmos 'Flamingo' or dahlias. Combined with ornamental grasses, e.g. Japanese bloodgrass (Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron'), you can create a very natural effect. This large-flowered type is also excellently suitable as cut flower.

Fertilise your Gladioli 'Zizanie' regularly to allow for the growth of new flower buds. It is a good idea to add fertiliser when watering. Stop fertilising three weeks after flowering. The stems of Gladioli 'Zizanie' can be very heavy and sometimes need some support. Completely cut off its faded stems. Plant Gladioli 'Zizanie' preferably in a different place each year in nutritious, well-drained soil. Keeping gladiolus through the winter Gladioli 'Zizanie' bulbs can easily be preserved during the winter. After the first night frost, cut off all stems 10 cm above the bulb and let them dry. Shake the soil off the bulbs and place them in a box of compost and sharp sand. Store the box in a frost-free area. Attach a label with the name of the Gladioli 'Zizanie' to remind yourself for the following year. By the following spring, you can plant your bulbs again and Gladioli 'Zizanie' will reward you once more with its beautiful flowers.

Would you like to use your Gladioli 'Zizanie' as cut flowers? Pick them when the lower flowers begin to open, preferably early in the morning. Immediately place the stems in a vase full of lukewarm water with cut flower food. Due to its strong stems, the Gladioli 'Zizanie' can 'reach' for water easily. Here is an extra tip: plant an extra group of Gladioli 'Zizanie' two weeks later. As a result, the flowering period in your garden will be extended.