How to Save Gladiolus Corms Over Winter for Spring Replanting

In cold climates, gladiolus corms must be dug and stored indoors to survive winter. Here's the step-by-step process.

Digging & Curing

1. Gently dig entire plants; place on newspapers in a frost-free shady spot (porch ideal) for 1–2 weeks until stems pull easily from corms.
2. Separate new corms from old. Often two new corms form where one was.

Storage

1. In a bucket, layer wood chips (not touching), place new corms on top, cover with more chips. Repeat until full.
2. Cover, lid, store in root cellar for winter.

Spring Planting

Start ~10 days before last frost. Plant 10–12 corms at a time, then repeat every 10–14 days for continuous summer blooms.

By Celeste Longacre