What an interesting plant to force, Eileen! How did you choose gladioli?

If you have them in good potting soil, they should receive nutrients, but as you water, the ferilizer washes out, so you might consider a weak solution of fertilizer that encourages bloom.

One thing about gladioli is that they tend to flop because they grow tall. In the ground, I just plant them deeper to compensate. In pots, you might use long bamboo sticks or rig a little tuteur of sticks to tie them up, with some raffia or pretty string. I hope you see blooms. I'm trying to remember how soon they bloom after planting, 6-8 weeks, maybe?

Have you forced hyacinths? That's one of my favs, because they're easy and smell good, too.

Nell

Thanks for the info, Nell...I forgot to ask how long it will be before I see blooms, so thanks for letting me know. This is the first time I have forced bulbs, and I didn't choose the gladioli so much as I found them in my local plant store on sale! It says they get to 44", so I will take your advice about staking them, they are growing very, very rapidly, but not tilting or flopping yet. I have never forced hyacinths, but am planning to...I have six tulip bulbs in my refrigerator that I will be taking out in March...I just love doing this! You are very fortunate to be able to plant yours in a real garden. Thanks again, Nell!

Eileen