However, this practice decreases the overall showiness of the planting. After the stalks are killed by frost, remove them, leaving a 6-inch stub. Leave the roots in the ground for two weeks to thoroughly ripen before digging them. Dig carefully so the roots do not break away from the clump, which results in blind roots. Dry the roots enough to shake the soil from them, then pack in sawdust, perlite or vermiculite, and store in a cool, dry place until spring.
Gladiolus is available in nearly every color.
Plant the corms 3 inches deep and 6 inches apart in the spring after danger of freezing the shoots has passed. During the growing season, the original corm withers and a new one forms on top of it. The cutting of flowers does not inhibit the development of the new corm as long as leaves are not removed with the flower. On the other hand, seed is produced at the expense of corm production. As soon as the tops die down, dig the corms.