Glads need ample water throughout the growing season. Watering should soak the ground thoroughly. Avoid daily light watering. To keep the plants erect, they must be staked. Hilling up soil on both sides of the row also gives good support.
Mulches help to keep down weeds and conserve soil moisture.
Cut the flower spike when the first floret is showing color for the best quality cut flowers. Be sure to leave at least two, and preferably four, leaves on the plant after cutting spikes to help corms mature properly. Gladiolus will overwinter with a layer of mulch in most of South Carolina. If you want to store the corms, dig them after the tops die off, but before a hard freeze. Dry outside in a light, airy place.