| I have grown gladiolas for over ten years--same spot, same methods--with great sucess. We dig up the bulbs each fall and replant in spring. For the last two years--same set of bulbs--the plants have come up looking great, but the flowers have blotchy, white, shriveled, spots. They look OK from a distance, but are not suitable for cutting and bringing to the vase. It has been very dry this year, but we have watered. My untrained eye does not detect pests. Any ideas for me???? |
| Based on your description it sounds like the damage is being caused by thrips possibly exacerbagted by lack of water. I would suggest you work with your county extension to get a specific diagnosis and based on that determine how to proceed -- you may have to treat the corms during the storage period to stop them from overwintering. If it actually is a problem that requires a chemical control, they will be able to tell you what to use and how/when is best to apply it. Good luck with your glads! |
