Acidanthera planting instructions

• Acidanthera (or Abyssinian Gladiolus) are half hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to around -5C. For most reliable results, they should be protected from frost.
• Pot up in a cool greenhouse in spring between March and April. You can grow them on in temporary pots and plant them out into borders after risk of frost has passed. Alternatively, you can plant them directly outside in early May.
• Plant the corms around 10-15cm deep in borders or patio containers.
• Space the bulbs around 10-15cm apart in borders, or closer together (5-8cm) in pots.
• If planting in patio containers, use a free-draining compost such as multipurpose or soil-based compost with plenty of drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
• Water-in after planting and keep hydrated when in growth in the first season. Allow the soil to become almost dry before watering again.
• Acidanthera flower in late summer.
• Cut back flower stems to 3cm above ground level in autumn. Move containers with Acidanthera into a frost-free location for winter. In coastal areas with mild winters and sandy soil, they can often survive outside during winter.