How to Grow Gladiolus Bulbs Indoors

Overview

Gladiolus are one of many summer bulbs grown to add color to the garden. They also thrive as a container plant. Gladiolus are often used as a cut flower in in bouquets and vases, but instead grow these bulbs in pots indoors as a living flower arrangement. Gladiolus comes in a variety of colors, with blooms growing along tall flower spikes. Indoors, consider one of the smaller miniature gladiolus varieties, as these are more suited to pot culture.

Step 1

Fill a 10 to 12 inch diameter pot with a well-draining, moist potting soil. Leave a 1 inch space between the top of the soil and the rim of the pot.

Step 2

Plant each corm 2 to 4 inches deep and space them 2 inches apart in the pot. Plant the bulb with the flat side down and the pointed side facing upward.

Step 3

Water from the top immediately after planting, watering until the excess moisture drains from the bottom of the pot. Water in this manner whenever the soil surface begins to feel dry.

Step 4

Place the gladiolus pot in a warm room in a window that receives at least six hours of sunlight a day. Avoid placing it near air vents or other places where the plant may receive cool drafts.

Step 5

Fertilize the gladiolus every two to four weeks throughout the growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Follow package instructions for exact application rates.