Origin
The Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram, commonly known as the Summer Flowering Gladiolus or Sword Lily, is a perennial plant belonging to the family of Iridaceae. The plant is native to southern Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa.
Common Names
The Gladiolus aestivalis is known by different common names depending on the region. In South Africa, it is commonly referred to as the Krismis lelie or the Christmas lily. In Zimbabwe, it is called Dururu, while in Botswana, it is known as the Keitlhalamotho.
Uses
The Gladiolus aestivalis is mainly grown for its decorative purposes. The plant produces showy flowers that come in different colors like pink, yellow, white, and purple, making it a popular choice for floral arrangements, gardens, and cut flower collections. Additionally, the plant's corms are edible, and some communities in Southern Africa use them to make flour or cook them as a vegetable.
General Appearance
The Gladiolus aestivalis plant grows up to 60 cm tall, with its leaves forming an erect, sword-like shape. It has spiky stems that bear multiple flowers that bloom from December to February in its native region. The plant's flowers are funnel-shaped and have three prominent petals that are wider than the other three, forming an inverted triangle. The flowers emerge in clusters at the top of the inflorescence stem, and each flower has darker markings on the lower petals. The plant's corms are small, brown, and rounded, and they produce small bulblets at their base that sprout into new plants.
Light Requirements
The plant Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram thrives best in areas that receive full sunlight. Therefore, it is best to plant them in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. If planted in shady areas, growth and blooming will be limited.
Temperature Requirements
The Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram requires a warm climate to grow optimally. The ideal temperature for the growth of this plant ranges from 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit during the night. Temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit inhibit the growth and flowering of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram is well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant grows best in loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0-6.5. Avoid planting in soil that is too heavy, sandy, or compact. Soil that is too heavy may prevent water from draining quickly which can lead to the plant's roots being waterlogged, causing root rot. Sandy soil, on the other hand, drains too quickly which could result in the plant not receiving enough moisture. The soil should also be fertile enough to support nutrient absorption by the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram, commonly known as the summer gladiolus, is a plant species that grows from bulbs. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soils. It is not frost tolerant and therefore should be planted post-frost. The bulbs must be planted around four to six inches deep in the ground, and spaced six to eight inches apart.
Watering Needs
During the growing season, the plant requires continuous watering to maintain the soil moist. The frequency of watering is dependent on the prevailing weather conditions, but typically require watering at least once every seven days. It is advisable to water the plants early in the morning to avoid the heat that could damage the plants. Furthermore, rainfall may not be sufficient, and thus make sure that the plants do not experience drought stress, which could hinder optimal growth and flowering.
Fertilization
Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram requires adequate amounts of nutrients to promote growth and flowering during the growing season. The plant requires fertilization before planting, during planting, and when in the flowering stage. Use a fertilizer rich in phosphorous, and potassium, which is ideal for promoting root growth, and the development of strong shoots, respectively. To optimize the flowering, add some potassium-rich fertilizer during the flowering stage.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential care requirement for Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram. Remove spent spikes by cutting them off immediately after flowering to encourage the production of new spikes. When all the spikes have bloomed, cut off the stem above the first leaf from the bottom. Also, ensure that you do not cut off the leaves because they help the bulb develop and store nutrients for future use. For hygienic purposes, it is advisable to sterilize pruning tools before use.
Propagation of Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram
Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram is a perennial plant species that is easily propagated through a variety of methods.
Bulb Division
The most common method of propagating Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram is through bulb division. This can be done either in the spring or the fall when the foliage has died back. Carefully dig up the bulbs and separate them, making sure each new bulb has several identifiably growing points. The bulbs are then replanted in well-draining soil, taking care not to plant them too deeply.
Seeds
While Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram produces seeds naturally, propagating through seed can be more challenging. Seeds should be sown in the spring in a well-prepared seedbed with plenty of organic matter. It can take 2-3 years for the plants to reach maturity and produce blooms.
Vegetative Propagation
For those with a bit more experience, Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram can also be propagated vegetatively. This can be done through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings, with stem cuttings being the easier of the two. Stem cuttings should be taken in the spring, and the leaves stripped from the bottom third of the stem. Place the stem into a rooting hormone and then into well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location until roots form
By following these simple propagation methods, one can easily expand their garden with many new Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram plants.
Disease Management for Gladiolus Aestivalis Ingram
Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram is vulnerable to several diseases, including:
- Fusarium corm rot: It is characterized by yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunting, and eventually death of the plant. The cause behind it is the Fusarium fungus that infects the corms. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected corms, and keep the soil dry.
- Grey mould: It is a fungal disease caused by Botrytis cinerea that affects foliage and flowers. It can be managed by maintaining low humidity and good ventilation, watering the plants in the morning, removing infected plant debris, and using fungicides when required.
- Thrips: These are small insect pests that suck the sap of the plant and cause white patches on leaves. They can be controlled by pruning and removing infected parts, spraying insecticidal soaps, and introducing beneficial insects such as ladybirds.
Pest Management for Gladiolus Aestivalis Ingram
The most common pests affecting Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram are:
- Aphids: These tiny insects affect the leaves and flowers of the plant, which leads to stunted growth. They can be controlled by removing infected plant parts, spraying insecticidal soaps, and introducing beneficial insects such as ladybirds.
- Spider mites: They are tiny sap-sucking pests that cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plants with water, using insecticidal soaps, and introducing beneficial insects such as ladybirds.
- Western flower thrips: These are tiny insects that suck the sap of the leaves and flowers, leading to white patches on the leaves. They can be controlled by pruning and removing infected parts, spraying insecticidal soaps, and introducing beneficial insects such as ladybirds.
By taking proper care of Gladiolus aestivalis Ingram, including maintaining proper soil moisture, providing adequate fertilization, and ensuring proper insect and disease management, you can enjoy beautiful flowers in your garden.
