Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, 255, Upper Palace Orchards, Bangalore-560006.
Gladiolus cv. ‘Friendship’ was planted once in every month from April, 1976 to March, 1977. Flowering was obtained from each planting with various degree of success. Planting in June, October and November proved to be best so far as quality (i.e. length of spike and rachis, number and size of florets) of flower is concerned. Plantings during December to February also appeared to be good for flower production. Planting during August, September, March and April appeared to be not very congenial for flower production. Maximum number of cormels were obtained from June planting followed by February, April and May. Corms planted in June took minimum number of days (61.70) to flower while those planted in February took maximum number of days (93.30). The results indicate that higher temperature increased plant height and longer day-light hours delayed spike appearance, increased spike length and number of florets. It also appears that higher soil moisture content increased spike length and floret numbers.
