Gladiolus carmineus

Gladiolus carmineus

Family: Iridaceae

It is a cormous perennial growing to 35 cm. Three to five trailing, sword-shaped leaves are produced during winter in years when the plant does not flower, usually alternating annually. Flowering happens at the end of summer to mid-autumn.

Sowing instructions: Seed is sown in autumn, thinly, in deep (min. 10 cm) seed trays, to allow for root development. The soil medium should be well drained, a recommended mix being 2 parts sand: 2 parts compost: 1 part loam or equal parts sand and compost, and the seeds should be planted 3-4 mm deep, covered with clean sand and kept moist and lightly shaded.

Locality: Rooiels. Harvest: October 2024