Effect of varieties and spacing on growth and flowering of gladiolus in Andamans

A study was conducted to identify the most promising variety of gladiolus for Andamans and to standardize the spacing. Variety Darshan produced the maximum number of spikes m⁻² (24.33) when the plants were spaced 25 cm × 30 cm and had the longest vase life. Pusa Suhagin recorded the maximum length of spike (73.01 cm), bigger florets (7.47 cm) but produced only 19 spikes m⁻². The number of corms and cormels produced per plant was also maximum in Pusa Suhagin. Hence, Darshan and Pusa Suhagin may be recommended as suitable varieties for commercial cultivation in Andamans. The optimum spacing has been standardized as 25 cm × 30 cm for gladiolus cultivation in Bay Islands.