Gladiolus can be propagated from corms and seeds. G. ecklonii must be planted in a sunny position, in a well-drained, sandy loam soil. This is a summer-growing plant; corms must be planted in mid-spring and watered throughout the summer growing season. They may flower throughout summer. The corm can be planted roughly 150–200 mm deep and about half a foot apart. Use composted, horse manure and bone meal to mix with the soil. They take about 70–100 days to grow. During the winter season, the corms are dormant and should be left in the soil, or dig them out, shake the soil off as much as possible, and store in a dry, dark, cool place to prevent decay.

Seed can be sown in spring in a deep seed tray. The soil medium should be a mixture of fine potting soil and river sand. Water the medium 2 to 3 times, until the water runs out at the drainage holes in the bottom. Sow seeds evenly across the tray; scatter a thin layer of fine soil on top of the seeds. Water the planted seeds to moisten the top layer of the soil. Place the tray in a warm temperature of 21˚C, in full, direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist with frequent watering. Germination takes place within 4 to 6 weeks.