planting corms

[pedro1927]

Does one plant Gladiolii corms in the autumn, winter, or Spring.
I dug them out of the garden when they died off last year and stored them - now I don't know what to do!

[muff13]

I would plant them now. They really should have been planted before this, but fingers crossed they might still flower this year.

All gladioli like rich, free-draining soil in a sunny, sheltered position, such as the foot of a south-facing wall or in a walled gravel garden. Plant in clumps of five to seven corms, 10cm (4in) deep and 10cm (4in) apart, during March and April. Mark the planting position with a small cane that can be replaced with a stake as required. Lighten heavy clay soils with well-rotted manure or compost. Plant each corm on a layer of sand to improve drainage.

[pedro1927]

Hi Muff - much appreciated, but I feel we are half a year out of sync. - I am in Australia, and you in Uk (the reference to a walled gravel garden gives you away - none in Queensland)
So I guess you mean plant in spring, although I note a few leaves coming up now from those I missed digging up. Frosts don't happen here, so mmaybe they should ghave all been left in!.
Thanks again.

[coccinelle]

If you don't get hard frosts just leave them in. But now you've pulled them up, wait and plant early spring.

[muff13]

I did not realise that you did not live in UK. Yes, I did mean spring but as coccinelle says you are as well to leave them in the ground in the winter time. Lucky you living in sunny climes - I live on the west coast of Scotland and we have been suffering from very wet cold weather just now - more like winter than spring!! I look back on a couple of very happy years spent in Australia many years ago and often regret returning to the UK.

[pedro1927]

Thanks again muff.
In fact I moved from Bristol to Australia in 1963.
When I came out of the army in 51 I was stationed at Earlsferry, Coast Artillery, and almost stayed there but work was a problem.
So farewell from the sunny Queeensland, with best wishes for the 'summer"