Gladiolus permeabilis plants are summer flowering, relatively easy to grow and quite hardy. Although they occur naturally throughout most of South Africa (except for the dry Northern Cape interior), plant them in a sunny but sheltered spot for optimal growth. Plants might flower in semi-shade, but flowering might be impacted in full shade. Flower spikes might bend or break in windy or exposed areas. These dainty plants are perfect for small gardens or garden beds and pair well with smaller grasses. Plant many plants together to ensure a beautiful and sweet-scented display when in flower. They usually grow in late winter and spring, flower from late winter to early autumn (August-March) and are dormant during the winter.

Propagate Gladiolus permeabilis plants from corms or seeds. In the winter rainfall region, plant the corms or sow the seeds in autumn and in the summer rainfall region in winter or early spring. When propagating from seeds, sow the seeds freely and replant the corms when they form. When propagating from corms, the fibrous tunics covering the corm should only be removed just before planting as they may offer some protection against infections and infestations. After removing the tunics, treat the corms with fungicide. Place the corms about 5 cm deep in the soil with the point facing up, about 10 cm apart or as desired (depending on the garden layout). Plants planted together will produce a more prominent flowering display. Every year after the leaves appear, the corm dies, and a new corm develops. After the plants die, remove the corms from the soil and store in a cool dry place until the next season.

Plant Gladiolus permeabilis in sandy loam soil, with good drainage. Soggy compacted soil hinders root growth and may contribute to root rot. Many soils can be adapted for Gladiolus permeabilis by adding organic matter such as compost, leaves, manure or even hay to the soil six months before planting. The soil should be neutral or slightly acidic with an ideal pH of 6–6.5. Water soil thoroughly after planting. Water plants in the summer rainfall region by drenching them regularly, those in the winter rainfall region less often. Adjust the watering regime according to the local conditions. Plants need a lot of water during the growing season, particularly when in bud and flower, but never let the soil become waterlogged. Water on the ground or at the base of the plant, not on the leaves, to avoid pest infestations. Top dress with rich compost when the new growth appears or give a fortnightly feed of high potassium fertilizer such as 3:1:5 or 2:3:4.

Possible pests of Gladiolus plants include various root rots (e.g. Fusarium oxysporum, Septoria gladioli, Stromantina gladioli), storage rots (Penicillium sp., Botrytis gladiolorum), viruses (Rhizopus arrhizus, mosaic viruses) and bacterial blight (Xanthomonas campestris), as well as aphids, slugs and snails. For more on the treatment of Gladiolus pests and diseases see the planting instructions by Bot Flowerbulbs listed under References.