Gladiolus - Cartago

Bring vibrant energy and dramatic flair to your garden with Gladiolus 'Cartago', a dazzling variety admired for its bold, fiery red blooms with velvety depth and commanding presence. Its tall, upright spikes are packed with showy flowers, making it a stunning highlight in borders, beds, and cut flower displays. Perfect for striking arrangements, bold garden statements, or vibrant summer bouquets.

Corm Count: 10
Plant Height: 100—120 cm
Bloom Size: ±10—12 cm
Flower Type: Large-flowered (Grandiflorus-type)
Growth Habit: Upright, vertical spikes
Light Requirement: Full sun
Blooming Season: Mid to late summer
Spacing: 10—15 cm apart
Staking: Recommended for tall stems and large flower heads

Growing Tips

Planting Time:
Spring to early summer (September to November) in most regions. In frost-free areas, stagger plantings every 2 weeks for a prolonged flowering season.

Position:
Full sun in a warm, well-drained spot. Ideal for cutting gardens, borders, or bold summer beds.

Soil:
Rich, fertile, and well-drained. Incorporate compost or bonemeal before planting.

Watering:
Maintain consistent soil moisture during growth and flowering. Avoid waterlogging.

Feeding:
Switch to a high-potassium fertiliser (e.g. 3:1:5) when flower spikes form. Mulch helps keep roots cool and conserve moisture.

Maintenance:
Remove spent flower spikes to strengthen corm growth. Allow foliage to die back naturally before lifting or storing.

Overwintering:
Lift corms in frost-prone or waterlogged regions once leaves have yellowed. Store dry in a cool, airy space until next season.

Why You'll Love It

• Bold, velvety red blooms with rich, dramatic tones

• Excellent for high-impact flower arrangements

• Tall, upright spikes bring instant drama to the garden

• Striking as a focal point or in mass plantings