Growing Gladiolus as Cut Flowers : Dame Edna Challenge : Flower Hill Farm

Hi Flower Friends! It's Nicole from Flower Hill Farm- today I am talking about how I grew thousands of gladiolus as cut flowers in 2020. I have also been challenged by Sarah and Nicole of the Let's Grow Girls podcast to recreate one of Dame Edna's Iconic Gladiolus Outfits. Challenge accepted.
I was just a guest on the Let's Grow Girls podcast- here's the link:
pod.link/1535862454/episode/Z...
Fred Nagel and Sons: www.nagelglads.com
Here is a chapter list of the video: if you're interested in jumping ahead
0:00 Intro
1:30 Why I love glads
2:03 Hardiness
2:30 Succession Planting
3:00 My Glad Supplier
8:00 Screaming Glad
8:22 THRIPS!
15:50 Letting them die back
17:45 Storage
18:45 Vase life
19:36 New Glads for 2021
23:25 Dame Edna Challenge!
26:26 Bloopers
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[@melissadavid5124]

Nicole! Ugh! Every time you talk about a flower I think ohhh I need those (or more of those in the case of gladiolus). First it was lisianthus and now I need more glads. 😂. You are an enabler! 😂😂😂

[@FlowerHillFarm]

LOL Sorry, Melissa! So....should I not talk about my tulips? LOL

[@MimiB15]

Well....now I have 500 bulbs coming, no idea where I can even plant them but they look amazing and I really want to attempt to do a small cut flower self serve stand to see if I have any success. Thanks for encouraging my flower obsession! So happy I found your channel!

[@TheFinFarm]

“The earth laughs in flowers”, which must be especially true for gladioli and their singing faces 😄

[@TheFinFarm]

Also... I, too, ordered 500 Jessica from Fred Nagel in January since it’s also my name 😁

[@margiesix]

Love this video! After my father’s death, I randomly stopped at a small florist shop and bought the most glorious bouquet of Glads! . My dad loved flowers and always said “don’t bring me flowers when I die, bring them to me when I’m living. I bought that bouquet in his memory and it made me smile! I am definitely growing gladiolus this year! Thanks for the great info!💗🌺

[@abidurrington4135]

I'm going to need more money if I'm going to keep watching your channel 😂 every flower you talk about I think I need some of them!! 😍

[@FlowerHillFarm]

LOL sorry!

[@Lea_1113]

Looking forward to seeing your Dame Edna creation

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

You have just helped me realize why I haven’t been passionate about growing flowers, I have some for pollinators but I’m obsessed with growing vegetables. When you spoke about the memories for some people I started to tear up and got that lump in my throat, as much as I love flowers the memories are painful. When I was young I lost my teenage sister, two years later I lost my teenage brother, I just realized how much I associate gladiolus (and other flowers) with loss and pain, there were tons of them around during a painful time ! Well I’m 55 yrs old and my daughter is starting a flower and vegetable farm (that’s why I started watching) so I’m going to face my painful past and plant some glads in memory of the beautiful people I have lost !!! Thank you for helping me 🙏🏻

[@chettajohnson5261]

You had me at hummingbirds!!

[@rachelwatkins5541]

This was awesome!!! So packed full of valuable info ! Can you do this same thing with other flowers ? Maybe a series ?

[@canadiangirl5159]

I love watching you light up as you talk about flowers. It makes me happy just watching. My father has black silkies too. And sunscreen. Pasty white is far more healthier then rapidly wrinkling and skin cancer. Besides us northern girls just need a Victorian parasol while out among the flowers, like they used long ago to protect themselves from the sun.

[@PamsPrettyPlants]

The color of my first Glads absolutely shocked me the first time they bloomed. They were those salmon-pink color and were the definition of “pop of color”.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

They're perfect Pam! Those are some of my favs :)

[@QueenMotherRenee]

Glads and Dame Edna!!! Both spectacular and lovely! I can’t wait....to recreate!!

[@mariangraham9074]

Well, you convinced me! I haven't had glads for several years but I'm gonna have some this year!! You're killing my gardening budget! I also "want all of the things"!

[@sarahsewell4535]

Yay! Nicole and coffee 💚 you just made this rainy Friday sooo much better! Have a great weekend flower friend 💐

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thank you! You too!

[@ElderandOakFarm]

Agree!

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I decided not to spray unless I had a SEVERE infestation, & I started to see SOOOO many beneficial insects!

[@pyt1010]

Never thought about growing glads until I watched your video. Your videos are addicting and so inspirational. One day when I have my acres I’ll know just what I need to know when it’s time to grow my cut flower gardens. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@45jessiemad]

Omg!! Now I can't unsee the opera singing glads! 🤣 my first shipment of glads is on the way! You sold me on them. I can't wait to use them in my bouquets. 😍

[@FlowerHillFarm]

You're going to love them! and yes- you can't unsee them. I plan on mine giving a musical performance this summer. LOL

[@45jessiemad]

@@FlowerHillFarm 🤣🤣 that will be epic.

[@katjo0812]

I LOVE that you got your Grandpa on video!! What a sweetheart💜

[@lyndseyharp]

I LOVE this channel and seriously stock it everyday for new videos! True, authentic, witty and funny ..... I can’t get enough of you. People are drawn to you because you don’t hold back! Of course you produce gorgeous flowers too 😍💐but the combination of your humor and flowers coupled with your production skills makes the perfect collaboration!!! Keep being you Boo! And doing your thang’!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Wow, thank you, Lyndsey! I'm blushing - I can't wait for flower season I'll definitely be posting more content!

[@agirlnamedjewels]

Omg, I grow this every year in my front garden, we live on the main drag in a rural area. When people ask I say they are dame edna’s Gladys! I live in a rural area and the lady from the local nursery stop by one evening to ask me. “What the heck are dame edna Gladys?”. I showed her a you tube video. “Omg they are gladiolus!” Last spring I walked into the nursery, there was a picture of dame Edna above the bulbs. They were labeled “Dame Edna Gladys”, wave your glad!!!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

This is my favorite story! Thanks for sharing!

[@janbarker6373]

I love Gladiolus!! My grandparents were florist and I remember the gorgeous sprays of glads they would arrange for Memorial Day. I find myself just smiling when I watch your videos, not to mention the outburst of laughter. You’re becoming one of my favorite KZbinrs! Have a good day!!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thank you so much, Jan!

[@terrigodfrey8260]

We've planted 100 gladiolas in our home garden. I am so looking forward to their magnificence! We're in Zone 6b (Massachusetts) so they are not winter hardy but so far growing hardily and I am hoping for some beautiful bouquets. Love your channel.

[@jin8339]

Nicole, you put smiles, grind and laughter in your video. I am so happy that you accepted the challenge of the Dame Edna. I totally forgot about her and my hubby goes "who"? When he saw the pics.....he just laugh. 🤣 We forgot she loves glads. Oh, boy !! Can't wait for that day. Hurray !! Great blog ! Very detailed 😃

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Can't wait!

[@CharleneWithrow]

Thank you for the wealth of information, one of the most captivating YT posts thus far. This is my first spring planting Gladiolus (Central Valley CA) but you have inspired me to plant more. Blessing to you and your family.

[@nancyweaver1157]

So excited for the challenge! As a small wedding florist , I would recommend using a strong floral wire. You could twist them around the stem as needed and it would blend in . Good luck!😂

[@laurenegruett4443]

Dear Nicole, we have more than the 'love' of flowers in common, 'Dame Edna' is fantastic!!! She is one person who makes me laugh alot. Thanks for the video friend.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Wonderful! I've been watching her videos and she cracks me up!

[@rosemacdougall2967]

You just made my morning coffee! I can't wait to see Dame Nicole!!! hahahaha. Keep up the great work. You are so inspiring. :)

[@barbarafegley1279]

Always makes me happy to see how enthusiastic you are. I have gladiolas Coming in April. My mother had white ones in her bridal bouquet. They had them arranged in such a way that they trailed downward in the front of the bouquet. She loves them.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Well that sounds gorgeous!

[@heathermartin8202]

By the way, I saw you gifted Laura's daughter a Flower Hill Farm pink onesie. It was adorable and thoughtful. 💐😊

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Yes! Thank you! She's such a beautiful baby- precious!

[@janekozlovsky9383]

I adore glads too! I have loved them since I was a child. They're magnificent and stately in any landscape or bouquet. Love your bouquets, sweet disposition, and adorable sense of humor. Keep up the great work and good luck in your new endeavors! ❤

[@ca7569]

Thank you for this video! My dad, When he was alive, used to go to a farmer's home to buy glads for my mom and me. I always got first choice of which I wanted. They were beautiful! All of your information is much appreciated!

[@tibmartiekenitzer7843]

your dad talks with the exact same inflection as you! That is so awesome. I just love your personality and how you explain everything so fun and enjoyable. love the video!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thank you! That’s my gramps 🥰

[@heathermartin8202]

I literally just bought some gladiolus! I've never grown any before and thought "what the heck". That 'Jessica' is stunning! I'm really looking forward to seeing yours in bloom. 😃

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Yay! Good luck!

[@heathermartin8202]

@@FlowerHillFarm Thank you! 🌱💐

[@inbloom2006]

Ahhh I have wayyyyy too many seeds and wayyyyy too many flowers and I definitely don't need more but all of those are SO gorgeous, especially the last chocolatey purple ones! Maybe next year when I have a better idea of my space and kick out some of the things I like less.... I can't wait to see your Dame Edna!

[@joday7361]

I love seeing how excited you get talking about flowers 😆 it’s contagious too!

[@lorilawton9546]

Stop it, Nicole😂I’m running out of room!!!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

I'm sorry! I haven't even started yet LOL

[@shaundaflips2482]

Your daily harvests sound like fun, and as a fellow zone 4 gardener you give so much inspiration!!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

They are! I love it!

[@kellyhenry4187]

I'm sitting here trying to get caught up on some work this evening and I'm laughing my butt off, you are hilarious and educational! The best of both worlds.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thanks Kelly!

[@marilynm2086]

You’ve convinced me. I’ve ordered some glads. You enthusiasm is contagious!

[@corinne4954]

Dame Edna! Haha I saw her 20 years ago at the Met Opera on New Years Eve with my grandma. I had no idea what to think of drag queens when I was 10 years old, but she made an impression! Thanks for bringing up that memory, even not flower related!

[@russellconley9642]

Thank you so much for sharing your wholesale sources!! I have had a heck of a time finding them!!!

[@emptychallice]

I do love gladiolus. But, the flower I am looking forward to seeing in your garden this summer is the bearded irises. Bearded irises bring back my childhood.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

I’m so excited about these too! I can’t wait to add more

[@sharonschneider1745]

Oh great, now I’ll be singing opera in my head every time I see a Gladiola 😆 Operatic Glads should def be a thing! 😄

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Oh, I'll definitely be making that video this summer- wait for it!

[@phatcher25]

I grew my first glads last year. Needless to say, I ordered several more for this year. They are beautiful!

[@r.b.8061]

Possums!!! I like to see you dressed up with gladdies.

[@gardeningwithsamira6761]

Girl you are the only one I can watch twice and laugh even more to your silliness😂And can I add I was just like “Oh wait did I order enough gladiolus”? Lol

[@bubbas1319]

Lol! From now on every time I see a glad, I will think it’s singing to me! I love that! And that flyer looks like it was made specifically for you. Wouldn’t that be something. Love the video Nicole! ❤️❤️

[@jules10112]

I'm growing glads this year for the first time! This video was really helpful, can't wait 😁

[@SandraJeanneDesign]

I love these flowers too! I can't wait to get them in the ground! Thanks for all your great info, Nicole! 💜

[@FlowerHillFarm]

You are so welcome!

[@margaretmininger9406]

OUCHIE! Bless your heart! I hope your boo boo heals quickly, Nicole! Did you just make the sound a thrip makes??????? Now I have to go buy MORE gladdies! Your videos are spectacular, especially the outtakes! Can you tell I love puncuation!? Happy Gardening, sister!

[@deeaustin379]

Can't wait to see "Dame"Nicole!!

[@norinenagle6730]

I love the old gladiolus and have been adding to my collection. I am in zone 7 and they survive the winter. I am inspired to dig some corms up. Now I know when to cut them - always waited too long. Thanks for the tips!

[@taniabudge5418]

I ordered some this year! I am so excited for the blooms!

[@conniegraham7416]

Thank you Nicole....I grew a few gladiolus last summer and I loved them...so did the hummingbirds!! I too can't wait for glads this summer!! I've been collecting them :)

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Wonderful!

[@Artzenflowers]

I can’t wait to see your Gladiola challenge outfit! Go Dame Nicole!

[@lauriesickles5393]

Grampa at the beginning was darling!! Fun video.

[@miachavez2728]

Grew glads for the first time last year and loved them. They attracted hummingbirds like crazy 🤩

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Yes they do! So fun

[@LitlPoot]

OMG - you are one in a million - and that's a good thing !!! thanks for all the info - I'm planning on a cut flower garden on our new property and all this info is so helpful and your enthusiasm is extremely infectious & inspirational. I can't wait to get started. And thanks for the buying info - will definitely check 'em out !!!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

So nice of you! Best of luck!

[@katherinebutcher994]

This Australian is super excited for the Dame Edna challenge! 🤩

[@rowinggranny5216]

Brilliant video as always, really helpful for me and Im only growing about 70 in my small garden but i love them. Thanks for all your videos x

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thanks so much!

[@suburbangardeningcouple]

Can’t wait to see that Dame Edna photo 🤣 also thanks for all the gems of knowledge about glads. We’ve got a bag of 60 corms to add to the backyard!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

That is awesome! You're very welcome!

[@paigegough6929]

You see through the looking glass into the dancing and singing garden.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Love that!

[@mellfraze8112]

Gladiolas are one of my favorites, I always buy a bunch at the farmers market when they are in season. I haven't been able to get them to grow well in my garden yet but we're trying again this year.

[@makola1970]

Love this - so much information - thanks for sharing

[@tinaloitz4125]

Doing it!! Ordered a bunch load :) Was listening to the podcast, and being from Alberta Canada I have similar temps. I laughed so hard😂 , "-35 C is that even possible, how are you even alive"- Lets Grow Girls..😂.

[@CatherineWhelanCosten]

omg I thought I would get a little tutorial but instead I got the best information and the best laugh ever!! You are amazing, thank you for your energy and sharing with such enthusiasm! I love gladiolus and I love how much you love them too!

[@rechelleday408]

Omg I just love you!!! You bring me sooo much joy and encouragement 💜💜💜💜

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thanks Rechelle!

[@faynixon8708]

Ditto!

[@benzie8352]

Amazing video, thank you so much for all of the details!!! So helpful!!!

[@amysgardenstead2879]

Loved the podcast and the video. I’m supposed to be painting my living room today but I have to go order more glads!

[@ElderandOakFarm]

😆

[@emptynestgardens9057]

😁 priorities 👍🏻😁

[@FlowerHillFarm]

I can not be held accountable! LOL Enjoy!

[@joannestewart3945]

Your fun to watch. Love your high energy. 😊👍

[@FieldFarmForest]

I remember my great grandmother having them in her flower bed. I never really got into growing them because you know, zone 4b. The one thing I do remember about gladiolus is that Drop Dead Fred is allergic to them (my kids watched that move a million times). I’d like to try growing them sometime. Maybe next year. Thanks for sharing such details. ☮️-Kirsten

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Drop Dead Fred is a CLASSIC!

[@kellic8665]

Perfect timing on this video! I’m in Phoenix 🌵so my glads have been up for a little bit now. I can’t wait! Of course, by the time you are harvesting yours, my garden will be a literal hot mess so your Dame Edna video will be very appreciated over here by then. Anyway, in addition to the traditional glads, I also grow Abyssinian Gladiolus (also called Peacock Orchids). Have you ever heard of them? They are just as easy but the flowers have a different shape and are white with a gorgeous dark purpley red throat. So pretty and one of my faves. I have only grown mine in the landscape so far but they would be glorious in a vase. Thanks for keeping the videos coming. You’re awesome! 🌻🌷🌹

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Yes! The peacock ones are lovely! I'll need some of those too LOL

[@bethheerten1132]

Received an order of summer bulbs yesterday including glads. I'm planting them in the flower bed around my deck to bring the hummers close. Was going to wait until after our last frost date - March 28 - but I may go ahead and plant some this week. Thanks for the information... and the amusement.

[@beetkvass1730]

The Rostov are gorgeous! I wish Nagel Glads was selling them this year!

[@sweetpeabri3586]

I totally agree with your grandpa about gladiolus☺️. I will never unsee their cute little singing faces!🤣 makes me love them more now! Lol

[@FlowerHillFarm]

I totally agree!

[@kathrynmettelka7216]

Nicole, so sorry about the gladiolus. It's especially hard when the glads are a cash crop. Fingers crossed for next year.

[@charleneskalmusky5509]

Can’t wait until that video! So Funny!

[@rosanapasquini8714]

Thanks, you are a true joy to watch I had a smile thru the whole video. Now I am thinking should I plants some too.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

You should!

[@karenlopez5441]

I had such a much-needed Friday chuckle, actually more than a chuckle, watching this today!!! Love your tips and love glads too! I plan to follow your close planting advice with no nets-yay! Need to get my biz license ASAP so I can order wholesale from Nagle!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Karen, you do not need a license to order through them! Best of luck-

[@stephaniecampbell3015]

Love it! Beautiful blooms to brighten our winter day! Dame Edna and Nicole - it’s an Epic Rivalry!! 😂😂 How much ☕️☕️ did you have before filming this video? Now I have to order glads!😂😂

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Just enough ☕️😂💐

[@wagnerab1958]

Thank you for this great informative video. Can't wait to plant some this year

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Good luck!

[@allyouneedislove1210]

I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!!!!!! YOU REMIND ME OF MY BEST FRIEND EXCEPT YOURE ALSO A FLOWER FARMER! THANKS FOR DOING SO MANY AMAZING VIDEOS. YOURE INFORMATIVE, HELPFUL, AND FUN.

[@dixianayard8502]

Oh Nicole! You should be onstage! Sooo funny and natural! You have the best unscripted videos! And the most awesome, what some would call, """BLOOPERS"", be we know it's just you being au natural. Beautiful Nicole... you are a Gladiolus.... different, rare, glorious. Have a blessed week 🌄.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Wow, thank you!

[@minipillai7165]

Very informative and 😄 enjoyed the description of those steps

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@melissatrenholm7]

Love gladiolus 💜 I planted some a couple weeks ago inside as an experiment to see if I can grow them solely in a container....we shall see....

[@shanlynwebb]

I have peach Gladys from my grandmas garden, I planted them many years ago.

[@SylvianeFARMERCHICK]

This comment from your grampa is one of my favourites, he reminds me of my grand. Thinking of you and your family.

[@gladisaughenbaugh4917]

I'm much better you silly 🤪 girl after laughing my but off I'm at work and was bored waiting for my flight to arrive until I watched 😅 your video you are great 👍 thank you for making my day.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Yay! You are very welcome Gladis!

[@karenslater343]

I have one growing it’s showing pink I planted it last summer in a pot .Its 54f in Brighton England today 36f at night. I hope the others grow too they are just the leaves at the moment. Love your channel your so infectious

[@ElderandOakFarm]

Oh wow!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Amazing Karen!

[@nicolechew1029]

I love your thrip noise 🤣🤣

[@risenshinegarden1623]

Good morning from Ga. I have my Gladiolàs to plant I'm in zone 7b so thanks for the information

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Good morning!

[@annsweden3452]

I love love love Gladiolus 💞 I'm also growing 'Rostov' this year! 🤩 In addition to that I ordered a quite similar variety 'Jakoetsk' but all of them, except one, were moldy when I got them. I will cherish that one - the survivor 💪🌸

[@ZRJL]

I bought a gladiolus bouquet for a friend last year and she had never seen them before and absolutely was in awe! They are so fab!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

I totally agree!

[@therandomlifeofkatie3277]

I'm bringing your videos while I do homework today. Ita calming and exciting at the same time.😁

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Aw thanks! I'm excited for the season definitely!

[@katewool12]

Nicole, you are the first person to make me excited about my glads. We bought a house last summer with beautifully curated gardens and I’m (not so patiently) waiting to see what unfurls this spring. This fall, I dug up so many gladiolus corms (zone 6b). I’m ‘glad’ 😉to say I have 400ish in storage waiting to be planted next month. Thank you for getting me excited about them. You are inspiring. Question though, what do you do with the cormels?

[@JennyMacfarlane-rh4mw]

Loved this video! Thank you

[@yvonneschimmel453]

I am so sorry about your fall. Hope your ok! Cannot wait to see you dress up like that funny lady lol

[@pineviewacrehomestead]

Hi I'm new , one of my favorite flowers are gladiolus !! I've been watching your videos all day!!!

[@laurapope2317]

God is an amazing painter!

[@Katsimagination21]

Gonna try glads this spring ,also I saw the baby onesie on Laura’s channel Garden Answer yesterday ❤️❤️❤️ so cute Both of you gals are my heros❤️

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Aw thank you! I'm so glad the onesie made it!