Please note:
These bulbs are pre-order items and are expected to be dispatched in the last week of August or the first week of September, weather permitting.
Our specialist growers carefully hold back stock until the bulbs have properly cured and are ready for immediate planting to ensure the best results in your garden.
In the unlikely event that a specific variety does not cure properly or is deemed non-viable by the farm, we will refund you for that portion of your order.
If you add pre-order items to your cart, your entire order will be held until those items are ready to ship. To receive in-stock items sooner, we recommend placing two separate orders.
Ignite Your Garden with the 'Red Matador' Gladiolus! 🌹
Are you ready to infuse your South African garden with breathtaking colour and dramatic flair? Imagine vibrant spikes of fiery red rising majestically, turning heads and sparking conversations. The 'Red Matador' Gladiolus is more than just a flower; it's a statement, an emblem of passion and beauty that will transform your outdoor space into a living masterpiece.
Why You'll Adore 'Red Matador' Gladioli:
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Dazzling Red Blooms: Just look at that captivating scarlet! Each blossom on the 'Red Matador' is a rich, velvety red, guaranteed to add an intense splash of colour to your borders, containers, or cut flower arrangements.
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Vertical Grandeur: These gladioli grow tall and proud, creating incredible vertical accents in your garden. They draw the eye upwards, adding depth and structure to your planting schemes.
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Effortless Elegance: Feel the joy of cultivating stunning flowers without the fuss. 'Red Matador' Gladioli are surprisingly easy to grow, making them perfect for both seasoned gardeners and enthusiastic beginners.
Bringing the 'Red Matador' to Life in Your Garden:
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Sun-Kissed Blooms: These beauties thrive in full sun, soaking up at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Pick a sunny spot in your South African garden where they can bask in the warmth.
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Well-Drained Wonder: Gladioli love well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or sand to ensure good drainage. This prevents waterlogging and keeps your corms happy and healthy.
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Thirsty for Growth: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells and when the plants are actively growing and flowering. Regular, deep watering is better than frequent shallow sips.
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Planting Perfection (South African Seasons): Plant your 'Red Matador' corms from late winter (August) right through to mid-summer (December) for a continuous display of magnificent blooms from spring to autumn. Stagger your planting every two weeks for an extended flowering season!
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Support Their Stature: As they grow tall, some gladioli may benefit from staking, especially in windy areas. This keeps those glorious flower spikes upright and pristine.
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Cut Flower Dreams: Bring the beauty indoors! 'Red Matador' makes an absolutely stunning cut flower. Harvest when the lowest one or two florets begin to show colour for a long-lasting vase display.
Feel the pride as your garden explodes with the vivacious colour of 'Red Matador'. Experience the satisfaction of growing magnificent blooms that are sure to be the envy of your neighbours. Don't just plant flowers; cultivate joy, passion, and elegance in your very own South African sanctuary.
Family: Iridaceae
Common name: gladioli, sword lily, glads
Sun exposure: Full sun
Planting time: September December
Flowering time: November - February
Active growth: December - April
Dormant: May August
Lifting time: July
Type: Corm
Mature height: 100cm
Planting depth: 3cm deep
Plant spacing: 15cm apart
Watering: Every 3-4 days when planted in the ground for 10 minutes
Position and soil
Gladioli look magnificent towards the back of a mixed perennial border. Groups of about 25 look best, although groups of 10 in single colours also make a bold statement. The soil should first be loosened to a depth of 20 cm. Hybrid gladioli like a compost-rich soil mix and need a full sun position to thrive. If they are planted where wind is a problem, they will need staking.
Further Care
Watering is very important and you must not allow the sub-soil to dry out. If you notice any harmful insects or fungal rust then you can treat it by spraying with an appropriate fungal spray.
For best results, feed with Hadeco Bulb Food.
