Gladiolus [1] are easy to grow and are often used to provide show-stopping color and elegance to the summer garden. In order for these bulbs to be used again next year, they must be removed from the ground before the first frost. Although frequently called bulbs, they are actually a corm which, botanically, is a swollen stem.

First, loosen the soil around the base of the plant. Grab the glad's leaves and carefully pull the plant up so as not to damage the corm. Shake the soil from the roots and twist the foliage off the corm. Then set the corms out to dry in the sun for a day or two. Placing them on an unused screen raised up off the ground [2] allows for good air circulation. Move the drying rack into an well circulated garage and allow the corms to continue drying.

After two to three weeks, little will remain of the old corm. Pull the old husk away from the new corm and the cormels. The cormels can be removed from the corm [3], and either discarded or saved for additional stock. Store the dried corms in paper bags or onion sacks. Tie the bags shut and be sure to include a label specifying the color or variety of the enclosed corms. Hang them in a cool, 40-50 degree dry location until next spring.