When to plant, dig bulbs? Refrigerate?
While in warmer zones, such as yours, these flowers don't have to be dug up and stored, you can do so if you desire. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/storing-bulbs-in-south.htm
While digging up my gladiolas, I see so many little off-shoots/tiny bulbs. What are these? Should I save them? Also, once the flowers fell off, there were seed pods that developed. Should I plant those in the same way and time that I replant the corms next year?
The offshoots are additional corms, which can be dug up and stored with the rest of the plant corms for replanting next season. While you can also save the seed pods and plant the seeds as well, the plants will take longer to mature so most people simply cut them off and discard.
How/when to cut flowering glads and how to preserve indoors?
Harvest flower spikes just before the top blossoms open, usually within three to four months of planting. The top blossoms will open indoors. Cut them in the morning or evening hours, angling the cut and immediately immerse them in water. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/how-to-keep-flowers-fresh-after-cutting.htm
When is the best time to thin gladiolas? I live in Zone 5. Should I trim them before replanting them?
I have always found fall is a good time to thin and transplant glads......and yes, trim your glads. before replanting them.
I want to crop my glads and leave them over the winter. I was just wondering how short I should cut them?
I would hold off on cutting the foliage back. While I know this can be unsightly, the plant depends on its foliage to make and store enough energy for bulb production and blooming next year.
If you are planning on storing the corms, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/gladiola/storing-gladiola-corms.htm
I have a problem with thrips on my gladiola plants. Can/should the corms be soaked/immersed in an insecticide before storing for the winter? If so, what would you recommend for soaking? I have been told, Lysol, bleach, and others - but not sure I can safely use any of these or maybe an insecticide. Okay to soak? In what?
Yes, it is fine to soak the corms in this type of solution. It makes for healthier plants the next year. A solution made with Lysol is most commonly used, but any disinfectant can be used. A very weak bleach solution would work as well.
I pulled up my glads over the winter and stored them. I would like to know how to plant the new bulbs. I've sorted them by size and now I need some help with planting them. This is my first year with a flower garden, so help would be fantastic.
Plant in the spring once the threat of cold has ceased and the ground has significantly warmed up. Glads require well-drained soil to prevent them from rotting. To improve the quality of your soil, you can work in some sand and compost. Depending on the variety, most are planted in a sunny location of the garden, usually half as deep as their expected overall height (or 4-6 in.). Always place bulbs with the points facing upward, while corms should be placed with the depression facing upward. Cover with a layer of mulch and water thoroughly after planting.