Introduction
Gladiolus are the true exclamation points of the summer garden. Their tall, stately spikes and vibrant colors bring a sense of joy and vertical drama to any landscape. Whether you are growing them for stunning backyard borders or for elegant indoor bouquets, these flowers offer a high reward for very little effort. At Longfield Gardens, we want to ensure your gardening experience is as successful and relaxing as possible.
The question of whether gophers eat gladiolus bulbs—which are technically called corms—is a common one for gardeners in many parts of the United States. While these pests do enjoy the starchy goodness of a gladiolus corm, having gophers in your area does not mean you have to give up on these beautiful blooms. If you’re shopping for plants, start with our gladiolus collection so you can choose the right varieties for your space. With a few simple strategies and the right preparation, you can keep your garden safe and thriving. This article covers how to identify gopher activity and the most effective ways to protect your plants so you can enjoy a season full of color.
Understanding the Gopher and the Gladiolus
To protect your garden, it helps to understand why gophers are attracted to gladiolus in the first place. Gophers, specifically pocket gophers, are subterranean rodents that live almost entirely underground. Unlike moles, which primarily eat grubs and earthworms, gophers are strict herbivores. They feed on roots, tubers, and corms.
A gladiolus corm is a nutrient-dense, starchy energy pack. For a hungry gopher, finding a row of newly planted corms is like discovering a premium buffet. Because gladiolus are often planted in groups or rows, a single gopher can move down the line and consume several plants in a very short amount of time.
The damage usually happens entirely out of sight. You might notice a healthy green shoot one day, only to find it tilted over or completely gone the next morning. When you pull on the wilted foliage, it often comes right out of the ground because the corm at the base has been eaten away. Understanding this behavior is the first step toward creating a resilient garden.
How to Identify Gopher Activity
Before you take action, you need to be sure you are dealing with gophers. Other animals like voles and squirrels can also target your bulbs, but the solutions for gophers are more specific.
Mounds and Tunnels
Gophers create very distinct mounds of soil. These mounds are typically crescent or fan-shaped. The hole itself is usually plugged with fresh dirt, which keeps the tunnel system protected from predators and maintains a consistent temperature. If you see a series of these mounds appearing near your flower beds, you likely have a resident gopher.
Comparison to Moles
It is a common mistake to confuse gophers with moles. Moles create long, raised ridges on the surface of the lawn as they "swim" through the upper layers of soil in search of worms. Moles do not eat your gladiolus corms, though their tunnels can sometimes be used by voles, which are smaller rodents that definitely do eat bulbs. If you see crescent-shaped mounds rather than surface ridges, your gladiolus are at risk from gophers.
Signs of Damage
The most obvious sign of gopher damage to a gladiolus is the "disappearing plant" act. Because gophers pull the plant down from below, the foliage may look perfectly healthy until the moment the corm is severed. In some cases, the gopher may only nibble the roots, which causes the plant to stunt or yellow prematurely.
Key Takeaway: Gophers are herbivores that target the starchy corms of gladiolus. Identify them by their crescent-shaped dirt mounds and the sudden wilting or disappearance of your plants.
The Best Way to Protect Your Gladiolus: Wire Barriers
The most reliable way to ensure your gladiolus reach their full potential is to use a physical barrier. While repellents can work, they often require frequent reapplication. A wire barrier, on the other hand, provides a constant shield that gophers cannot penetrate.
Using Hardware Cloth
Hardware cloth is a type of wire mesh that is much sturdier than standard chicken wire. For gophers, we recommend using hardware cloth with 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch openings. This size is small enough to keep the gophers out while allowing the roots of the gladiolus to grow through the mesh into the surrounding soil.
Creating a Planting Cage
You can make your own planting cages or "baskets" for your gladiolus. This is a very effective method if you are planting in small groups or "drifts."
- Cut a piece of hardware cloth into a square or rectangle.
- Fold up the sides to create a box shape that is about 8 to 10 inches deep.
- Secure the corners by twisting the wire or using outdoor-rated zip ties.
- Dig a hole large enough to fit the cage.
- Place the cage in the hole, fill the bottom with a few inches of soil, and plant your corms at the proper depth.
- Fill the rest of the cage and the hole with soil.
Lining an Entire Bed
If you are planting a large number of gladiolus for a cutting garden, you can line the bottom and sides of an entire raised bed with hardware cloth. This creates a completely gopher-proof zone. Ensure the wire extends up the interior sides of the bed to at least 12 inches to prevent gophers from climbing over the edge and digging down.
Soil Texture and Gopher Movement
Gophers prefer soil that is easy to dig through. This is why they are often found in well-maintained gardens where the soil is loose, moist, and rich in organic matter. While we want this type of soil for our gladiolus, it also makes the gopher's job easier.
The Gravel Method
Some gardeners have success by surrounding the planting hole with a layer of sharp gravel or crushed stone. Gophers find it uncomfortable to dig through sharp materials. When you plant your corm, place a handful of grit or small, sharp stones in the bottom of the hole and fill in the sides with a mix of soil and gravel.
This method serves a dual purpose. First, it discourages the gopher from reaching the corm. Second, it significantly improves drainage. "Drainage" is simply a measure of how fast water leaves the soil. Gladiolus corms prefer soil that stays moist but never soggy. If water sits around the corm, it can lead to rot. Using gravel helps ensure that excess water moves away quickly, keeping the plant healthy and the pests at bay.
Compacting the Soil
After planting your gladiolus, gently but firmly tamp down the soil. Gophers look for the path of least resistance. Loose, freshly dug soil is an invitation for them to explore. By firming the soil around your plants, you make it slightly more difficult for them to navigate toward your corms.
Strategic Interplanting with Gopher-Resistant Bulbs
One of our favorite "simple gardening rules" is to work with nature rather than against it. You can use the natural preferences of wildlife to your advantage by interplanting your gladiolus with species that gophers find unappealing or even offensive.
The Power of Alliums
Alliums, which include ornamental onions as well as garlic and chives, are a fantastic deterrent. They have a strong scent and taste that most rodents, including gophers and squirrels, find repulsive. Planting a perimeter of alliums around your gladiolus can act as a "scent screen" that hides the tempting aroma of the gladiolus corms.
Narcissus (Daffodils)
Daffodils are virtually pest-proof. They contain a bitter alkaloid called lycorine that is toxic to most animals if ingested. Gophers have learned to avoid them entirely. By mixing daffodils into your landscape, you create a garden that is less attractive to burrowing pests. While daffodils bloom earlier than gladiolus, their presence in the soil still helps deter gophers from the area.
Fritillaria
Certain types of Fritillaria, such as Fritillaria imperialis (Crown Imperial), have a very distinct, musky odor. To humans, it might smell a bit like a skunk, but to a gopher, it signals a place they do not want to be. These are excellent "guardian" plants to place near your more vulnerable summer-blooming bulbs.
What to Do Next:
- Identify areas of your garden with active gopher mounds.
- Purchase a roll of 1/2-inch hardware cloth for cage making.
- Select a few allium varieties to plant as a natural barrier.
- Plan your gladiolus layout to include these "guardian" plants.
Using Companion Plants as Deterrents
Beyond bulbs, there are many perennials and herbs that gophers tend to avoid. Incorporating these into your garden design adds beauty and an extra layer of protection for your gladiolus.
Fragrant Herbs
Plants with high oil content and strong aromas are often skipped by gophers.
- Lavender: This sun-loving perennial is a garden favorite for its scent and purple spikes. Gophers generally leave lavender alone.
- Rosemary: The woody stems and pungent needles of rosemary make it an unappealing snack for underground visitors.
- Sage and Salvia: Most members of the Salvia family have a texture and smell that gophers find disagreeable.
Euphorbia
Many species of Euphorbia produce a milky sap that is irritating to the skin and toxic if eaten. Gophers are very sensitive to these chemical defenses and will typically steer clear of any area where Euphorbia is planted. Just be sure to wear gloves when handling these plants yourself, as the sap can be irritating to humans as well.
Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint is a hardy, easy-to-grow perennial that produces clouds of blue flowers. Its minty fragrance is pleasant to us but acts as a mild deterrent to many garden pests. Planting a border of catmint around your gladiolus bed can create a beautiful, low-maintenance barrier.
Repellents and Natural Deterrents
If you prefer not to use wire cages, there are several repellent options available. These work through scent or taste to make your garden less appealing.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is one of the most common and effective natural repellents for burrowing rodents. It doesn't harm the gophers, but it coats their fur and the roots of the plants with a taste and smell they find unpleasant. You can find castor oil in concentrated liquids or granules that are easy to apply with a garden sprayer or spreader. For the best results, apply the repellent and then water the area thoroughly to help the oil soak down into the tunnel systems.
Scent-Based Repellents
Garlic-based sprays and dried blood meal are also used to discourage gophers. Blood meal is a high-nitrogen organic fertilizer that many animals find scary because it smells like a predator. However, use caution with blood meal if you have dogs, as they may be tempted to dig in the area where it has been applied.
Rotation is Key
Animals are smart and can eventually become accustomed to a single repellent. If you choose to use these products, we recommend rotating between different types. For example, use a castor oil spray in late spring and then switch to a scent-based repellent in mid-summer.
Planting Depth and Spacing for Success
Getting the depth and spacing right is a quiet winner when it comes to garden health. For gladiolus, planting them at the correct depth can actually offer a small amount of protection from surface-level diggers like squirrels, and it ensures the plant has a strong foundation.
Ideal Depth
As a general rule, you should plant gladiolus corms about 4 to 6 inches deep. This depends on the size of the corm—larger corms should go deeper than smaller ones. A deeper planting helps the tall flower spikes stay upright without needing as much staking. It also places the corm just below the most active "scouting" zone of some rodents. For more detailed guidance, see our gladiolus planting depth guide.
Proper Spacing
Space your corms about 5 to 6 inches apart. Providing enough space ensures that each plant gets the nutrients and water it needs. It also prevents the "buffet line" effect. When plants are jammed too closely together, it is much easier for a gopher to move from one corm to the next without much effort. A little bit of space can sometimes limit the amount of damage a single gopher can do in one night.
Staggered Planting
Since gladiolus usually bloom for about two weeks, we suggest planting a new batch of corms every 10 to 14 days. This staggered planting extends your bloom season from mid-summer into early fall. From a pest management perspective, this also means you aren't putting all your "eggs in one basket." If a gopher finds one area of the garden, your later-planted corms in another area may still be safe.
Timing, Zones, and Shipping
Gladiolus are tender perennials, meaning they cannot survive freezing ground temperatures in most parts of the country. Understanding your USDA hardiness zone is important for knowing when to plant and whether you need to lift your bulbs for the winter.
In zones 8 through 11, gladiolus can often stay in the ground year-round. In these warmer regions, gophers can be a year-round issue. In zones 2 through 7, the corms must be dug up in the fall, stored in a cool, dry place, and replanted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.
At Longfield Gardens, we time our shipping based on your specific hardiness zone. We want your bulbs to arrive when the soil temperature is just right for planting—typically when it has warmed to about 55°F. For zone timing details, visit our hardiness zone map and our shipping information. This ensures the corms start growing immediately, which helps them establish a strong root system quickly.
Troubleshooting Common Gladiolus Problems
If your gladiolus aren't performing as expected, it isn't always gophers. Knowing the difference between pest damage and environmental issues will help you take the right steps.
Flopping Stems
If your gladiolus spikes are falling over, it is usually because they weren't planted deeply enough or they aren't getting enough sun. Gladiolus need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight to grow strong, sturdy stems. If the stem is flopping but the plant looks healthy, simply provide a bamboo stake for support.
Streaked Leaves or Deformed Flowers
Tiny insects called thrips are a common gladiolus pest. They are very small and often hide inside the flower buds. If you see silver streaks on the leaves or flowers that fail to open properly, you may have thrips. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs or using a gentle insecticidal soap can help manage these pests.
Yellowing Foliage
If the leaves are turning yellow before the plant has bloomed, check the soil moisture. Yellowing is often a sign of poor drainage or "wet feet." If the soil is soggy, the corm may be starting to rot. Move your gladiolus to a spot with better drainage or add organic matter like compost to help loosen heavy clay soil.
Key Takeaway: Success with gladiolus comes down to the basics: right plant, right place, and proper protection. Deep planting and staggered timing are easy wins for any gardener.
Caring for Your Gladiolus After Bloom
Once the beautiful flowers have faded, your work isn't quite done. The steps you take after the bloom will determine how well the corms perform next year.
Deadheading
Remove the spent flower spikes by cutting them off with a clean pair of garden shears. This prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production. Instead, that energy is sent back down into the corm to "recharge" for next season.
Leave the Leaves
This is one of the most important rules for any bulb or corm. Never cut back the green foliage until it has turned yellow or brown on its own. The leaves are the plant's solar panels. They continue to photosynthesize and store food in the corm as long as they are green. If you cut them too early, the corm will be weak and may not bloom the following year.
Lifting and Storing
If you live in a cold climate (Zone 7 or lower), you will need to lift your corms about 4 to 6 weeks after they finish blooming, or right after the first light frost.
- Carefully dig up the corms, taking care not to bruise them.
- Cut the foliage off to about an inch above the corm.
- Let the corms "cure" or dry in a warm, airy place out of direct sun for about two weeks.
- Remove the old, withered corm from the bottom of the new, plump one.
- Store the healthy corms in a mesh bag or a cardboard box with peat moss in a cool (40-50°F), dry location until spring.
The Joy of a Gopher-Resistant Garden
Gardening is meant to be a rewarding and relaxing hobby. While dealing with pests like gophers can feel like a challenge, it is one that is easily managed with the right tools. By focusing on physical barriers like wire cages and using the natural deterrents found in companion plants, you can create a garden that is both beautiful and resilient.
We at Longfield Gardens are here to help you every step of the way. Whether you are choosing your first set of "glads" or looking for new varieties to add to your collection, we stand behind the quality of our plants. With a little planning and the right techniques, your summer garden will be filled with the towering, colorful spikes that make gladiolus so special.
- Use hardware cloth cages for the most reliable protection.
- Interplant with alliums and daffodils to naturally deter rodents.
- Ensure your planting site has excellent drainage and plenty of sun.
- Follow the seasons and your local weather for the best planting times.
"A garden that thrives is a garden that works with nature. By protecting your plants today, you are ensuring a more beautiful and colorful tomorrow."
FAQ
Do gophers prefer gladiolus over other bulbs?
Gophers are highly attracted to gladiolus corms because they are starchy and provide a lot of energy. While they will eat many different types of roots and tubers, gladiolus are definitely high on their list of favorites, similar to daffodils and lilies.
Will chicken wire keep gophers away from my bulbs?
Standard chicken wire is often too flimsy and has openings that are too large to stop a determined gopher. We recommend using hardware cloth with 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch mesh. It is made of a heavier gauge wire that gophers cannot chew through or squeeze through.
Can I use mothballs to get rid of gophers?
We do not recommend using mothballs in the garden. They are made of chemicals that can be harmful to the soil, beneficial insects, and your plants. It is much safer and more effective to use physical barriers or natural repellents like castor oil.
Do I need to protect my gladiolus if I have a cat or dog?
A pet that likes to hunt can certainly help discourage gophers from spending time in your yard. However, gophers spend most of their time deep underground where pets cannot reach them. For the best protection, it is still a good idea to use wire cages or repellent plants in addition to having a watchful pet.
