Commercial production of Gladiolus

Introduction:

Gladiolus is very popular ornamental plant. Amongst the cut flowers gladiolus occupied third position in terms of both area and production. The major gladiolus producing states in the country are Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Maharashtra.

Soil requirements:

It can be grown in wide range of soils varying from light sandy to clay loam, well drained and rich in organic matter and nutrients.

Planting material:

Gladiolus is propagated by the corms and cormels. Cormels require two growing season to become corm that can produce flowers. Corm of 2.5 cm and above are for planting. Therefore, corms of adequate size which are free from pathogens should be selected for planting.

Spacing:

Gladiolus is generally planted in ridges and furrows systems of plating with a distance of 30 cm ridge and 15 cm between corms within the ridge.

Irrigation:

Water is essential at the time of spike development. Watering should not be too less or too more.

Ventilation:

As the green house is covered from all around. Temperature inside covered system rises faster than it does outside. Therefore, temperature is should be maintained consistently by proper ventilation. The vents are opened or closed according to the need of the day to conserve heat during cold night while opened as early as warm days.

Pest management:

Pest or insects, like aphids, thrips, mites, seed worm, maggots, have to be controlled by spraying pesticides or insecticides.

Grading and sorting:

The cut spikes should be immediately put in water. The spikes are graded based on the length of the spike and number of florets.

Storage:

The spikes should be stored in upright position in the containers without water in a properly ventilated cold store at 2-5 degree C. The storage period should be as short as possible.

Transportation:

The gladioli are loaded on to the trolleys in such a way that no stem should protrude from the side. It is now ready to be sold in the markets.


Content first created on 07-01-2024
last updated on 07-01-2024