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Gladiolus is a striking garden plant known for its tall spikes and elegant florets. It makes an excellent mid-summer bloom and can add a sense of drama to any arrangement. Cutting, vasing, and caring for the stems the right way will ensure that your bouquet stays fresh-looking for much longer.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Harvesting Gladiolus

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  1. It is best to cut gladiolus at the point when 1 or 2 flowers are already open—the lower ones will open first. This will ensure that the flowers stay fresh longer once they’re in a vase. [1]
    • It’s always best to cut flowers in the morning when the air is cool and the plant is the most hydrated.
  2. Use a sharp blade to slice the stalk at a slanted angle because it will allow the plant to take in more water. Leave at least 4 leaves on the base of the stem so the plant can rebloom next year.
    • Avoid using scissors or a blunt tool because these will crush the cells in the stem, shortening the cut flower's life span.
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  3. Put the freshly cut stems into a bucket of water as soon as you can after you cut them. Fill the container with enough water to cover at least the bottom 3 inches (7.6 cm) of each stem. [2]
    • You may want to bring a bucket of water into the garden with you to make it easier.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Arranging Gladiolus Stems

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  1. Choose a heavy vase that can counter the weight of the stems. If possible, use a taller vase to keep the stems upright—that way, the spikes won’t bend. [3]
    • Be wary because the cut flower stem is tall and heavy and can tip over a lightweight vase.
    • A tall cylindrical vase with a weighted bottom is a good option. Make sure the vase isn’t too wide at the top so the stems stay as vertical as possible.
    • Add weight to the base with gravel or pebbles.
    • If necessary, add more water to the vase to provide some stability.
  2. Make sure all the stems aren’t leaning on one side of the vase, especially if it’s a tall one. Disperse some of the weight by leaning each stem around the vase like numbers on a clock. [4]
    • If you are making a multi-flower arrangement, use those to pad the space between the gladiolus stems so they stay in place.
  3. Avoid putting the gladiolus anywhere near an air conditioning unit, fan, heater, stove, or television because wind and heat can dehydrate the florets. And a dehydrated floret can affect the health of the other florets.
    • For safety's sake, don’t put the vase somewhere it will cause damage if it tips over.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Caring for Cut Gladiolus

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  1. Cut 1 inch (2.5 cm) off the stems at an angle and change the water every 2 days to keep the spikes and florets looking fresh. Use a sharp blade to slice off each end at an angle about 1 inch (2.5 cm) up the stem.
    • It’s important to clip them regularly because microbes will grow at the base and block the flow of water up the stem.
    • If you notice the ends are slimy or dark green after snipping the end, cut it again about 1 inch (2.5 cm) at a time until you see a fresh base.
    • Cut gladiolus will last anywhere from 6 to 12 days depending on the health of the plant when you cut it and how you take care of it.
  2. Plant food is made of sugar, an acid, and bleach; the mixture feeds the plants while keeping bacteria or mold from growing. Every time you change the water and snip the ends, stir some plant food into the water. The feed will give the flower more nutrients and keep it healthy for longer.
    • You can buy cut flower feed at any superstore or grocery store that has a plant nursery.
    • You can also use half a crushed aspirin pill instead of flower feed.
  3. Inspect the stalks twice a week and pinch off any wilted or scraggly-looking florets. This will not only improve the look of the flowers but it will allow new, healthier blooms to grow.
    • Wilted florets will appear shriveled and limp or show signs of discoloration (like darkening or browning).
    • Remove each flower as it begins to wilt—don't wait until the seed head begins to form.
    • Take care to remove not just the shriveled petals but also the swollen bit at the base of the dead flower (where it connects onto the main flower stem). This is the bit that forms the seed.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I cut gladiolus and put them in a vase 3 days ago. Why are they dying?
    Community Answer
    Cut flowers are very short-lived. You can buy cut flower nutrients for the water in the vase that can help extend their lifespan.
  • Question
    Do I cut the tip off of a gladiola?
    Community Answer
    According to a florist, it is helpful to cut off a few of the tight flower buds at the very tip of the stem.
  • Question
    Will the gladiolus continue to bloom after I cut them?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they will. Unopened buds will continue to grow and open fully. Remove all the older wilted buds.
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      Tips

      • If you're making a blended bouquet, mix gladiolus with flowers that are shorter in size for a dramatic look.
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      Warnings

      • Gladiolus stems, petals, and buds are toxic to cats and dogs, so make sure to put them in a place where they can’t get to them.
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