Gladioli

[Tilly2]

Why do some grow perfectly perpendicular and some grow at 45 degrees? Is it the depth of bulb planting that makes this occur?

[pastafreak]

I know nothing about gladioli. I just want to express my adoration for that splodge of furry cuteness in your avatar. Is that a new born Tilly?

[rowanwitch]

Usually it's shallow planting combined with forgetting to stake or support them

[melv16]

Cheap bulbs?:-)

[roopower]

My gardening friend says bulbs should be planted to a depth 2 1/2 times their length

[Tilly2]

Hi, Pasta. Yes, that is Tilly as a puppy. That photograph was taken thirteen years ago.

None of them are supported, Rowan but some are growing properly and some are not. Is it too late to stake them now, as I might damage the bulb?

Melv, they were a bargain bag from Thompson and Morgan. Yes, the were cheap.

[Chipchopper]

The first thing to make the flowers bend, apart from wind, rain, and physical factors, is generations of plant breeders growing them to be big blousey plants for the market and consequently the plants can be top heavy if not staked.
IMO.

[Tilly2]

It's not just the flowers bending, Chip, it's the whole plant.

They are not in the garden, they are in tubs. Maybe that's why.

[Flonska]

Apparently, it is a common problem caused by the weight of the flowers, once they have bloomed, which might make the stems tip to the side or even break.

This link offers some suggestions as to minimise the problem:-

https://www.hunker.com/12434506/how-to-keep-gladiolus-from-falling-over

Hope 'tis helpful.

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Flonska. That did help.