Storing Summer Bulbs
Gladiolas
Dig corms eight to ten weeks after
blooming. When digging, using a spade or a fork, grab
the top of the plant and pull the whole plant out of the soil.
Destroy any unhealthy corms. Shake off excess soil, but be
careful to not injure the corms. Cut two inches above the corms
and place on newspaper in the sun for one to two days. Some
people prefer to treat their Gladiolas with a fungicide. This
should be done within forty eight hours of digging. Benomyl can
be used; add it to hot water for fifteen to thirty minutes.
Place the corms in the sun. Remove excess soil as the corms
dry. They will need to cure at 80-85° for three weeks.
Break off and discard the stems. New corms should be broken off
the old and the old corm discarded. Store the corms in paper
bags, cloth bags or net bags, and place them in an area where air can
move around them. Store the corms at 35-40°.
