I have Iris and Gladiolia bulbs that were planted last year, but didn't bloom either year. What causes this?

1. Iris and gladiola may not bloom the first year after planting. Iris typically bloom in spring and summer; gladiolus usually bloom in August (they are August's birth flower!).

2. Iris rhizomes must be planted shallowly; part of the rhizome must show above the ground as the rhizome needs sun to make the plant bloom. Iris like full sun and well-drained soil. If you mulch irises, keep mulch off the rhizomes. I "mulch" my iris with rocks.

3. Gladiolus like rich soft moist soil and full sun to part shade.

4. Regarding fertilizing: I do not like commercial fertilizers. I fertilize everything on my property with well-rotted cow manure. I use it cautiously on flowering plants, as too much nitrogen can cause more foilage and less flowers. I put a small handful in the planting hole. You can also loosen the earth around existing plants and add cow manure. I get my cow manure from a friend's cowlots, but you can buy sterile rotted cow manure from any plant store.



I have both glads and irises. My glads, after I moved them in June 2005, are just now blooming. Many of my irises belonged to my great-grandmother and are over 60 years old.

I have Iris and Gladiolia bulbs that were planted last year, but didn't bloom either year. What causes this?
I think u take glads up each fall and Irisis or flags bloom the 2nd year depends on the deepness they are planted.I know when I separate my irises they bloom the 2nd year feeding them may help and follow the directions carefully on the package. its different in different areas
Reply:Fertilizer, Sweetie.....Give em what they need, and they'll bloom beautifully for you.
Reply:Neither glad nor iris bulbs need be removed in the fall; Just make sure that you cover them well with leaves/mulch if you live in zones 5 %26amp; 6. If they didn't even sprout, chances are the moles got to them. If they did sprout but didn't bloom, they try

some plant food.
Reply:For Iris' it is usually because the rhizome was planted too deep.Try removing the soil from on top of the rhizome or wait till August and dig it up and replant it. Now I don't know your zone but if the winters are mild just put a light skiff to a 1/2" of soil on the rhizome and up to 2 " if it freezes in your area.

I cant help with your glads as they are annuals in my area and have to be dug up and stored before winters. hope this helps....a little