To protect them from wind and storm damage, or just from their own weight as they mature, stake them individually if you are growing only a few. If you are growing clumps of glads, provide a corset of stakes and twine running in all directions between them. Another alternative would be to plant them in rows with two parallel strings on either side that are tied firmly to strong stakes. Keep weeds to a minimum by hand removal or with shallow cultivation. Lack of moisture often causes shorter spikes, smaller florets and smaller corms for next season.
Adequate moisture is especially important when flower spikes are beginning to form.
Apply 1 inch of water per week if rainfall is insufficient. Mulching of the soil around plants and between rows will reduce weed competition and conserve moisture. Suitable mulches include straw, dried grass clippings and compost. Insect and Disease Control Thrips are the major insect problem of gladiolus. They are tiny insects that are difficult to see with the naked eye.