Troubleshooting
Gladiolus 'Espresso' problems — and how to fix them
Gladiolus 'Espresso' (Gladiolus 'Espresso') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Spikes flop over
Tall, top-heavy spikes lean or break in wind and rain. Stake individually or plant in supported blocks in a sheltered spot.
Thrips infestation
Gladiolus thrips streak the foliage and disfigure the dark florets. Inspect and treat corms before planting, act at first sign, and store cleaned corms cool over winter.
Corm rot and fusarium
Wet soil and infected corms cause basal rot and wilt. Plant firm healthy corms in sharp-draining soil, rotate beds, and discard soft or mouldy stock.
Poor or faded colour
The dark florets need full sun to reach their deep tone, and large corms for full spikes. Site in full sun, feed with potassium, and plant top-grade corms.
Prevent gladiolus 'espresso' problems before they start
Most gladiolus 'espresso' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for gladiolus 'espresso' in general rather than its problems? Read the full gladiolus 'espresso' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Gladiolus 'Espresso' problems — FAQ
Why is my gladiolus 'espresso' spikes flop over?
Tall, top-heavy spikes lean or break in wind and rain. Stake individually or plant in supported blocks in a sheltered spot.
Why is my gladiolus 'espresso' thrips infestation?
Gladiolus thrips streak the foliage and disfigure the dark florets. Inspect and treat corms before planting, act at first sign, and store cleaned corms cool over winter.
Why is my gladiolus 'espresso' corm rot and fusarium?
Wet soil and infected corms cause basal rot and wilt. Plant firm healthy corms in sharp-draining soil, rotate beds, and discard soft or mouldy stock.
Why is my gladiolus 'espresso' poor or faded colour?
The dark florets need full sun to reach their deep tone, and large corms for full spikes. Site in full sun, feed with potassium, and plant top-grade corms.