They are excellent additions to the vegetable garden as well as companions to the medium sized perennials in the perennial garden. Gladiolus will thrive well in almost any soil. They can be planted about two weeks before the frost free date and will flower 8-10 weeks after planting. Staggering the planting every two weeks until mid-summer will provide cut flowers through most of the summer and fall. Fertilize the corms at planting time with a high phosphorous fertilizer and again with a high nitrogen fertilizer 7-8 weeks after planting.
Tuberous begonias are one of the few highly colourful plants which can be grown in partial shade.
Northern or northeastern exposures are generally well suited for their growth. They can be grown in pots, hanging baskets or directly in flower beds. They require a soil which is well drained and rich in organic matter. Tuberous begonias generally bear three flowers per flower stem. The large, central flower is the male blossom which is surrounded by two smaller females.