I planted some gladiolus and hollyhock bulbs. My question is will they flower this year?
I have already started my gladiolus plants indoors in water. They seemed to be in healthy shape when I started, but I have noticed in the last day that there are thrips all over them. Since they have already started to bud, I was wondering what is the best method for ridding the pests.
This article will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-thrips.htm
We also like neem oil. Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
My glads appear to be doing well, but when the flowers start to open, they don't open up and sometimes turn brown.
It sounds like you have thrips. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/gladiola/gladiola-disease-pests.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-thrips.htm
My stored glad bulbs from the winter root cellar have started to grow, some a foot tall and are white. Do I cut them at a certain point and lay them on their side to plant? Please advise. Thanks, Dave in Durango, CO.
At this point, the best thing you can do for them would be to plant them in pots. They feel that the conditions are right to grow... they just lack light (which is why they are white). I would recommend planting them in pots and giving them some light (even a florescent light will help). Putting them somewhere a little cooler will slow their growth a bit until you can plant them outside.
I was given cut glads. How can I root and plant?
I am afraid that you cannot propagate gladiolas from cuttings. They are propagated from seeds or corms.
I have a hard time growing gladiolus plants. They get leaves but no flowers. I tried planting them far apart, in a circle together. The few that do grow will have dead flowers at the bottom before the top flowers finish blooming. In other words, I never get an entire gladiola flower at the same time!! I buy the bulbs at a warehouse store. Should I try buying them from a local garden center?
They may be lacking phosphorus. Without enough phosphorus, they will not be able to bloom well or even at all. Bone meal is high in phosphorus, so that is a good choice. Here is more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/phosphorus-plant-growth.htm
I have gladioli bulbs and they are sprouting in the bag they came in. Can I go ahead and plant them now or do I have to wait?
I would go ahead and plant them now, though storing is another option. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/how-to-store-bulbs-that-have-sprouted.htm