In the garden, Gladiolus guthriei will do best if grown in similar conditions to where it naturally occurs: in rocky, well-drained areas. Alternatively it can be grown in a container, preferring an acid, sandy growing medium such as three parts medium-grained river sand and one part fine acid compost or finely milled acid bark. Corms should be planted in autumn, from March to May, with April being the ideal month. The rule of thumb for geophytes is to plant them to a depth of three times the height of the rootstock. They should be watered well after planting and not again until the leaves have appeared above the surface of the soil, after which a good watering every seven to ten days is recommended. Gladiolus guthriei should be situated in a well ventilated, sunny position which receives full sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon.

As the season changes and temperatures begin to rise at the end of spring, watering should be reduced and the medium should be allowed to dry out completely during the summer dormant period.

Gladiolus guthriei can be propagated by seed sown during autumn, in the same sandy, well drained medium. Seeds should be sown in deep pots or trays to allow sufficient space for the developing bulbs. Fresh seeds germinate within four to five weeks. The plants produce flowers for the first time in the third or fourth growing season.