Gladiolus flowers are in demand not only in the country but also abroad. Flowers of this plant with long sword-like leaves bloom in the month of October to March. Its flowers are of many colors like pink, red, white, orange, yellow, purple etc. In our country it is mainly cultivated in Punjab , Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. It is necessary to be aware of some information before its cultivation.

soil and climate

• Fertile loamy soil is best for its cultivation.

• Cultivation in clay soils requires more manure.

• Winter season is suitable for its cultivation.

• It can be cultivated throughout the year in hilly areas.

• Sunlight is necessary for flowers to bloom. This increases the number of flowers.

• The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 to 7.0 for good production.

farm preparation

• For good yield, do 2 to 3 ploughings about 30 to 40 cm deep.

• Add rotted dung manure to the field at the time of plowing.

• Make beds in the field after plowing.

• Keep a distance of 30 cm between all the beds.

• If drip irrigation is available, make the beds 1 meter wide and at a height of 15 to 25 cm from the ground surface.

Tuber planting and irrigation

• Before transplanting, treat the tubers by adding 2 grams of captan per liter of water.

• Sow the cubes at a distance of 15 cm. Transplant in 2 rows in 1 meter wide beds.

• There should be a distance of 20 cm between the rows.

• Apply light irrigation while making beds in the field. This ensures good root formation after transplanting.

• Give the first irrigation when the plant emerges from the bulb.

• Don't let the soil lack moisture for good yields.

• Stop irrigation when the leaves start turning yellow after harvesting. This makes the digging of the cubes easier.

Fertilizer and weed control

• Use 12 to 15 tonnes of decomposed cow dung per acre of field.

• According to the soil test in the field, the use of manure increases the yield.

• Generally apply 50 kg nitrogen, 50 kg phosphorus and 100 kg potash per acre of field.

• Spray 50 kg of nitrogen in the field after the leaves appear.

• To control weeds, spray 5 ml of glyphosate per liter of water 2 weeks before transplanting.