The name "gladiolus" comes from the Latin word for "sword" and is a reference to the flower's long, spear-like shape. Hence the term "gladiator" for the fighting swordsmen of the ancient Roman arena.

Gladioli florets naturally open at a gradual pace, from the bottom of the stem to top, which allows for a long vase life. Spent flowers at the bottom of the stalk should be removed as soon as they begin to wither in order to keep the stems healthy and looking fresh. Should you prefer that more of the florets be open at one time (if, for example, you want them to look their showiest for a special party or event), remove the top two or three unopened buds from the stem. Doing so removes a chemical growth inhibitor in the tip, which keeps the flowers from opening too quickly, thus permitting more rapid development of the blooms (this same technique also works with other line flowers which open from the bottom up, including snapdragon, larkspur, and freesia).

Naturally, as with any cut flowers, a bit of extra care goes a long way toward keeping gladioli at their best. Place the flowers in a clean, sanitized container. Use specially prepared floral nutrient solution, provided by Gammage Flowers, in lukewarm water, and replenish or replace the mixture frequently. Using a sharp knife and slicing at an angle, cut off the bottom inch or so from the stems when you first bring them home and every few days thereafter. This procedure eliminates any blockages and encourages the uptake of water. Keep the flowers out of drafts and away from ripening fruit, which produces damaging ethylene gas.