The First Blood gladiolus explodes with saturated, juicy colour. Large, ear-shaped cluster consists of densely packed raspberry-red flowers with frizzled corolla from which subtle anthers with light tips emerge. Erect, tall stems with thick bases are surrounded by linear, pointed leaves that take on a solid, bright green colour with a clearly visible venation. These magnificent flowering plants have ranked high at the lists of the most popular garden bulbous plants for years. Gladioli belong to those decorative plants that fit into all kinds of gardens. Florists have gladioli in high regard too as a durable cut flower for bouquets and arrangements.

Plant gladioli from the last days of April, throughout May, to beginning of June. You can plant in batches every two weeks to prolong the flowering period. Plants of that species like sites with well-cultivated, permeable yet not-too-dry soil. The soil at a site where gladioli would grow should have a slightly acidic or neutral reaction. Taking care of gladioli is first and foremost watering and fertilizing. Flowers that have not been cut for vases can be removed to keep the garden tidy. Gladioli are not resistant to frost and do not belong to hardy plants. You have to dig out bulbs in autumn. Dry them and store in a cool, airy place where temperature remains above the freezing point.

One package contains 5 gladioli bulbs of the presented variety. These bulbs are sized 12/14 centimetres in circumference. The basic plant information and growing instructions can be found on the package label.

• Variety: First Blood
• Use: ornamental -garden, cut flower
• Growth form: erect
• Flower colour: raspberry red
• Vegetation form: perennial
• Site: well-cultivated, permeable yet not-too-dry soil
• Bulb size (circumference):: 12/14 cm
• Bulbs: 5
• Planting period: April to June
• Wintering in the ground: no