Gladiolus also need relatively warm, dry, springs to do their best. In the first half (or so) of their growth period they're more prone to fungal infections of the bulb and this is made more likely by cool, wet, weather. I water mine every week with dilute Physan-20 to help stave off any hidden fungal infections since I live in a frozen rainforest (AKA Pennsylvania). lol

The only problem I have had with glads is thrips....I used to sell the glads out by the roadside, so I had about 250 corms....even though I dried them well, & sprinkled insecticide over them, thrips damaged the entire crop.....never saved the corms again!

I'm having a problem with a lot of plants right now, I think it may be thrips.

Thrips don't allow glads to open fully, & they cause brownish streaks on what's left of the blossoms...I don't know what they do to other flowers......

I think I read they may have a part in Daylily leaf streak which I get badly every year. I try not to use any chemicals in the garden. If I have to I try Organic (mostly Lilies are the only thing I treat anymore) Although I may have a problem with black spot on the roses this year.

I don't spray, either....my well is right in my front yard.....I do get those streaky brown leaves on my DLs sometimes...have not noticed any this year.....

Mine usually start when it gets drier and hotter so I always thought it was related to my soil being sandy and them getting a little drought stressed. Maybe the thrips thrive in that weather?

What are you guys calling "thrips?" There are thousands of species, some specialized to feed on only 1 or 2 plants and some who are generalists and some who eat other thrips. I think a lot of pest control depends on what kind of thrip you're combating.

Hmmm....didn't know there were so many....my problem was the ones that infested my glads......

Jai_Ganesha said:What are you guys calling "thrips?" There are thousands of species, some specialized to feed on only 1 or 2 plants and some who are generalists and some who eat other thrips. I think a lot of pest control depends on what kind of thrip you're combating.

I think I have ones that target Daylilies. However I am having some weird problems in my meadow garden, I have Chelone, Lupine, Zizia, Phlox, Monarda, & Echinacea all showing some big problems with twisting stems crinkled stunted leaves and stunted growth. I have been digging out a lot of it but it is very time consuming so I haven't finished yet. I thought maybe it was thrips or some other insect but it may be a virus. I am thinking of sending some samples to the NH cooperative extension.

I think virus as well...might be a good idea to send to the lab.....