Rhizome Restoration and Cultivation Methods of Gladiolus Bulbs
The internet introduces you to some experience in growing the bulbous flower Gladiolus, including the restoration and cultivation methods of Gladiolus bulbs. Detailed content will be shared next.
Gladiolus is native to South Africa and belongs to the Iridaceae family of bulbous plants. It, along with roses, carnations, and Gerbera daisies, is known as one of the "four major cut flowers in the world." The flowers come in single or mixed colors such as red, yellow, purple, white, blue, and are widely cultivated worldwide. Gladiolus is an important fresh cut flower and can be used for flower baskets, bouquets, and vase arrangements. It can also be used to decorate flower borders and themed flower beds, with the dwarf varieties suitable for potted display.
Many flower enthusiasts grow Gladiolus, but they are not very familiar with the restoration and cultivation methods for the bulbs. Below, we briefly introduce the restoration and cultivation methods of Gladiolus bulbs based on some of their habits.
I. Variety Selection
Select the Marny (red) variety, which is popular in the market for its bright color and good quality. A total of 4500 bulbs, each with diameters of 1.0cm and 1.5cm, were used as experimental materials.
II. Soil Preparation
Select a sandy loam soil that is sheltered from the wind and has rich soil. Deeply cultivate the land in late February and disinfect the soil, spraying a 35% formaldehyde solution (600 times diluted) on the soil. Then cover with a plastic film for 10 days. After removing the film, apply a base fertilizer, using 3000kg of organic fertilizer, 40kg of superphosphate, and 50kg of compound fertilizer per 667m2. Mix the fertilizer into the soil, crush any large soil clumps, level the bed surface, and create ridges that are 20cm high, 100cm wide, and 30cm apart.
III. Bulb Treatment and Germination
Select bulbs that are free from diseases and pests and of uniform size. Soak them in a 45°C warm water solution diluted with 70% wettable powder of methyl thiophanate at 800 times for 30 minutes. After draining the solution, mix the bulbs that have been treated with the drug into twice the amount of humus soil for germination for 5-6 days, maintaining a temperature of 20°C-25°C. When 60% of the bulbs have developed root and stem buds, they can be sown.
IV. Timely Sowing
In early March, evenly sprinkle the bulbs of uniform size that have been treated for germination at a density of 750 bulbs/m2 (3cmx3cm spacing) on the bed surface. Then cover with a 3-5cm thick layer of soil, water thoroughly, and cover with straw.
V. Fertilization and Water Management
After sowing, frequently check the soil's moisture level. In dry weather with little rain, it is necessary to water thoroughly to keep the soil moist before the seedlings emerge. After the seedlings emerge, control the water appropriately to promote root growth. Remove the straw cover and combine weeding with loosening the soil. Since the restoration of Gladiolus bulbs is highly susceptible to weed damage, especially in the seedling stage, weeding should be done early and frequently to minimize competition for water and nutrients. In addition to scientific watering, it is also important to apply additional fertilizers during the growing period. Generally, apply 15g/m2 of urea in April and May, and 20g/m2 of compound fertilizer in mid-June. From July and August, spray 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar fertilizer every 15 days to supplement P and K nutrients during the middle and late stages of growth, extend the growing period, and allow the bulbs to produce more nutrients.
VI. Timely Removal of Flower Buds
About 120 days after planting the bulbs, some may bloom. It is necessary to remove the flower buds and spikes in time to avoid nutrient scattering, increase nutrient accumulation in the bulbs, and make the bulbs more solid and larger.
VII. Disease and Pest Control
Common diseases in Gladiolus include scab, gray mold, rust, and streak. The main pests are aphids, thrips, corn borers, and grubs. Diseases and pests pose a serious threat to the production of Gladiolus. Therefore, the control of diseases and pests should focus on cultivation measures that promote healthy growth,恶化 the conditions for pests and diseases, and be supplemented with comprehensive chemical control measures. The specific methods are:
(1) Practice crop rotation and keep the nursery clean.
(2) Remove infected bulbs and burn diseased plants in the field.
(3) Avoid mechanical damage when harvesting bulbs.
(4) Maintain a ventilated, dry, and low-temperature storage environment.
(5) Implement chemical control, using Bordeaux mixture at 200 times during the seedling stage and a 50% wettable powder of carbendazim at 500 times, methyl thiophanate at 800 times, and 25% triazole at 600 times during the initial stage of disease. Generally, spray once a week for 2-3 weeks. For pests, use 40% omethoate at 1000 times, cypermethrin at 2000 times, and 50% phoxim at 1000 times for root irrigation.
VIII. Harvesting and Storage
In mid-October, after the leaves have turned yellow, choose a sunny day to dig up the bulbs. Cut off the above-ground parts, remove impurities, clean, dry, and then grade the bulbs by size. Place bulbs of uniform size in a single layer on a steel shelf to dry in a well-ventilated, dry, and low-temperature storage environment.
The above is a specific introduction to the restoration and cultivation methods of Gladiolus bulbs, hoping to bring some floral knowledge to flower enthusiasts.