To cultivate Gladioli, choose a sunny site with well-drained, well-manured garden soil. Dig a trench 15cm deep and place the corms 10-15cm apart, covering with soil and ensuring they sit 5cm below the surface. Water regularly, maintaining soil moisture until growth is established, and during hot, dry spells of weather. Stagger planting at two-week intervals to ensure continuous flowering over a long period. Expect stately, colourful spikes reaching 60-90cm in height which many require staking for support. The smaller variety ‘Glamini’ Gladioli will reach a maximum height of 50cm.