Gladiolus Desoto

Sword Lily, Glads

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.


Larger Flowering on Dazzling Spikes
Gladiolus Desoto with its palest silver-lavender petals flaunt irregular grape-purple eye zones. Dramatic and elegant! *NOTE: Bulbs will need to be lifted in fall in zones 3-7.

Code BGLDE

Patent

Plant Type Bulbs

Species

Height Medium to Tall 36-60"

Spacing Plant 6-8" apart

Bloom Time Mid-Summer to Late Summer

Sun / Shade Full Sun

Zones 3-10

Soil Type Normal, Acidic, Sandy

Water Needs Medium

Sold In Bags of 10

Special Features

  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Good for Cut Flowers
  • Deer Resistant
  • Attracts Hummingbirds

Gladiolus General Information

Gladioli are a mainstay in the florist industry. The National Gardening Bureau has declared 2022 as the “Year of the Gladiolus”. Gladiolus commonly called “Glads” are a great cut flower for spectacular summer bouquets. Available in a rainbow of colors: yellow, pink, lavender, rose, burgundy, white and green. Flowers scramble up the stems, opening from the bottom up, above sword-like foliage to provide beautiful vertical accents. They typically reach between 2-5’ with flowers ranging in size from 3” in diameter to 5” across. All our accent annuals are guaranteed to reach you in good condition and to grow, but we can't guarantee annuals to overwinter. Will be an annual except in zones 8-10 but can be stored over the winter in colder zones. Instructions

Gladiolus Plant Care

Hardy in Zones 8-10. Plant Gladioli in full sun in well-drained soil after the last frost date. Mix compost (humus) into soil with a garden fork or tiller to loosen soil to about 1 foot deep to improve consistency and fertility. Extend the Gladiolus season by planting in two-week intervals until June. Plant 4-6” deep with pointed end facing up. Space about 6-8” apart. Water thoroughly at planting. Taller varieties usually need to be staked. Be careful bulbs are not damaged with the stakes. In zones 7 and colder, lift in fall when foliage has declined after the first fall frost. Place in a dry, frost-free place over winter. A paper or cloth bag, onion bag or nylon pantyhose works well. They may also be stored in single layers in cardboard boxes with newspaper between layers or on screens.

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our accent annuals and bulbs to reach you in good condition and come up. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We ship accent annuals and bulbs based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring-Planted Accent Annuals

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8: Late March to Early April
  • Zone 9, 10: Late March

Fall-Planted Bulbs

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

Holiday Bulbs

  • Early November through mid December