Manuring and Fertilization

➢ 10 kg FYM plus 20 g each of NPK per m2 land is usually good.

➢ Usually FYM 20 t & NPK @ 200:200:200 kg/ha is recommended for the soils with moderate amount of plant nutrition.

➢ Nitrogenous fertilizer splits 2-3 times. First split when 2-3 leaves develop, second split when spikes come out and the third split when spike maturity begins.

Irrigation:

• Regular irrigation at an interval of 7-10 days depending upon weather.
• Over watering must be avoided. Irrigation after fertilization is a must.

Intercultural operation:

• Gladiolus needs earthing up; one at 4th leaf stage (20 cm height) and the second when spikes merge.
• Staking is also done to prevent the plants from lodging. Mulching is also important to conserve soil moisture and reducing weed population.

Time and stage of harvesting

➢ For distant market when first florets show color while for local market when first florets is fully opened are the best stage for harvesting.

➢ Grading of Spikes Harvesting should be done with two leaves using sharp knife or secateur. Leaves provide substrates for floral metabolism. The best time for harvesting is in the morning, since in this period the cells are in full turgidity. The cut spikes are immediately placed in water indoors at 6-7oC temperatures.

Flower Yield:

• Generally, one plant produces a single marketable spike and plantable size of
•  
• Around 200,000 to 300,000 spikes per ha are harvested depending on plant density.