Variety traits

Gladiolus corm

Gladiolus L.

The underground renewal organ of the gladiolus, the productivity and flowering time of which depend directly on its diameter and physiological age.

In the reference 119 varieties crop Gladiolus, where this is mentioned in the description.

The classification of gladiolus corms by commercial size grades is based on diameter: grade I is 3.2 cm or more, grade II is 2.5 to 3.1 cm, grade III is 1.5 to 2.4 cm, and grade IV is 1.0 to 1.4 cm. For breeding purposes, the shape coefficient, calculated as the ratio of the corm's height to its diameter, and the size of the basal plate are additionally analyzed.

The size of the planting material determines the biological potential of the plant: large corms of grades I and II ensure earlier flowering and the development of high-quality flower spikes. At the same time, an excessive increase in diameter over 5 cm often indicates physiological aging, which manifests itself in a flattened shape and reduced ornamental value.

Corm size is a varietal trait; therefore, the genetic characteristics of a specific cultivar, such as the degree of petal frilling, can influence average size parameters. To assess cultivar productivity in agronomic practice, the propagation coefficient, which accounts for the number of replacement corms and cormels, is additionally recorded.

General information about the subject — on the page Bulb.

Sources8

Varieties of Gladiolus mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.