Commercial Floriculture

Origin and Distribution

Importance and uses

• Gladiolus is an important florist crop, most popular as cut flower in the domestic and International market.
• In Netherlands, it ranks next only to tulip in commercial importance
• It is relatively easy to grow and also suitable for bedding and exhibition.
• The fascinating spikes bear a large number of florets which exhibit varying sizes and forms; with smooth, ruffled, deeply crinkled or laciniated tepals.
• The flower spikes are used in flower arrangements, in bouquets and for indoor decoration.
• Grandiflorus and Primulinus types look very attractive in mixed flower borders.
• Spikes of gladiolus have good keeping quality and can be transported to long distances.
• Its flowers open in acropetal succession, one by one and spike lasts for 1 to 3 weeks in ordinary vase water, depending upon the season and variety.
• Gladiolus natalensis, G. cardinalis, G. communis, G. callianthus, G. arneus, recurvus, G. tristis