Helvetia Gladiolus Bulbs

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

9-12 Inches

Growing Zones

8 to 10

Helvetia Gladiolus

Helvetia Gladiolus brings a bold splash of red and white to summer gardens. These tall, graceful flowers make a striking statement in borders and bouquets alike, while their elegant spikes add instant height and drama to any planting space.

Highlights

• Striking Color: Bright red petals edged in crisp white for a dazzling two-tone look.
• Extended Blooms: Flowers appear from midsummer through early fall.
• Cut-Flower Favorite: Long stems and lasting blooms make them perfect for arrangements.
• Garden Impact: Reaches 3–4 feet tall, ideal for adding vertical interest to beds or borders.

Planting Guide

• When to Plant: After the last spring frost, once soil warms to 55–60°F.
• Where to Plant: Full sun with well-drained soil; tolerates light shade.
• Spacing: Place bulbs 4–6 inches apart in rows or clusters for maximum impact.
• Depth: Set bulbs 4–6 inches deep, pointed side up.
• Soil Prep: Loosen soil to 12 inches and enrich with compost or aged manure.
• Watering: Water well after planting to settle soil around the corms.

Ongoing Care

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; deep water 1–2 times weekly.
• Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer when shoots are 6 inches tall and again as buds form.
• Staking: Tall flower spikes may need support to stay upright.
• Deadheading: Snip away faded blooms to extend flowering and maintain tidy plants.
• Winter Care: In zones colder than 8, dig bulbs after frost, dry, and store in a cool, dry location. In warmer climates, mulch and leave in place.

Growing in Containers

Helvetia Gladiolus can flourish in large pots if they have enough depth for root growth and excellent drainage. Space bulbs properly, water consistently, and place containers in a sunny spot. Pots also make it easy to reposition plants for best light or protection from wind.

FAQs

What makes Helvetia Gladiolus special?
Their bold red-and-white blooms and tall spikes bring drama to gardens and bouquets, while sword-shaped leaves add texture to plantings.

How should I plant the bulbs?
Plant 4–6 inches deep and 4–6 inches apart in full sun. For continuous blooms, stagger new plantings every two weeks during the season.

When can I harvest flowers?
Cut stems in the cool morning once a few blooms open. Leave at least 4–6 inches of foliage to help bulbs recharge for the next season.

Are they good for containers?
Yes—choose a deep pot with good drainage, plant as directed, and keep soil evenly moist. Containers make it easy to adjust placement for sun and shelter.

How do I store bulbs after the season?
In colder climates, dig bulbs after foliage yellows, dry them for a week, then store in a cool, dark, dry place. In warmer zones, bulbs can remain in the ground with mulch for protection.