Gladilous is a perennial plant grown for its flowers.

It is commonly called as “Queen of Bulbous”.

Gladilous is cultivated in most of the tropical and subtropical countries in the world.

The major Gladiolus growing countries in the world are United States, Holland, Australia, Japan, Italy, France, Poland, Iran, India and Brazil.

The major Gladiolus growing states of India are West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. 

• Kingdom:  Plantae
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class:   Liliopsida 
• Order: Liliales
• Family:  Iridaceae
• Genus: Gladiolus
• Species: dalenii

• Flowers are the most economically important part of Gladiolus.

Subtropical and temperate climatic conditions are suitable for Gladilous cultivation

The Gladilous crop performs well under a temperature range of 27°C - 30°C.

Gladilous requires full exposure to sunlight and performs well with long day conditions of 12 to 14 hour photoperiod.

Well drained sandy loam soil rich in organic matter with pH of 6 to 7 is ideal for Gladilous cultivation.

• The major challenges involve:
• Biotic Causes:
  • Major Pests: Aphid, Thrips, Semilooper, Caterpillar and Mealy bug.
    
  • Major Diseases: Leaf Spot, Wilt, Blight disease, Corm Rot and Hard Rot.
• Abiotic Causes:
  • Leaf Scorch
  • Blindness
  • Topple
  • Bud Rot