Gladiolus ‘Priscilla’ Bulbs

Sword Lily

Family

Iridaceae

Origin

Asia, Mediterranean & South Africa

Description

Gladiolus, cultivated from corms or bulbs, are prized perennials admired by gardeners for their impressive floral display. Often referred to as the Queen of bulbous flowers, these plants produce tall stems ranging from 90 to 120 cm (3 to 4 feet) in height. Their large, ruffled blooms measure between 10 and 15 cm and typically appear 80 to 90 days after planting, making them a striking addition to any garden. 

Gladiolus ‘Priscilla’ is a distinguished variety celebrated for its delicate, ruffled flowers in gentle pastel hues. Each spike is densely covered with large creamy white petals that fade into soft pink edges, highlighted by a subtle yellow throat, creating a refined, multicolored effect. These striking blooms grow in vertical rows along tall, upright stems, making ‘Priscilla’ an excellent choice for garden displays and sophisticated floral designs.

 

Gladiolus ‘Priscilla’ bulbs produce tall, graceful blooms in shades of pink and white, making them ideal for cut flower arrangements and garden borders. They flower from November to February in plains and from December to March in hilly regions. Planting is recommended between August and October in plains or August

Environment

Gladiolus ‘Priscilla’ bulbs perform best in well-drained sandy-loam soil rich in organic matter, with full sun exposure for a minimum of 5 to 6 hours daily. Water moderately—apply thoroughly after planting, then maintain consistent moisture without causing waterlogging. Space corms 10 to 15 cm apart and plant them 5 to 8 cm deep for optimal development. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10:10:10 NPK, at planting, then reapply when flower spikes emerge and again during blooming. Avoid overusing nitrogen, as it promotes foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

In India, the sowing period for Gladiolus varies by region:

• Northern India (Cooler winters):
  Sow from October to December (ideal: late October to November)
• Southern & Western India (Warmer winters):
  Sow from September to November
• Hill stations (like Ooty, Darjeeling):
  Spring planting – March to May

Gladioli generally flower 80 to 100 days after planting, with peak blooming from January to March for autumn or winter sowing in the plains, and from June to August for spring sowing in hill areas.

Landscape Use

It is a beautiful addition to any garden, and makes a wonderful container plant.